1.
thank you for your hard work; good job
An expression used to acknowledge someone's effort or labor. Importantly, it is typically used by a superior toward a subordinate or by someone receiving a service. Using it toward a social superior is considered rude.
配達の人に「ご苦労様」と声をかけた。
I said "thanks for your work" to the delivery person.
部長が残業した社員に「ご苦労様」と言った。
The department head said "good work" to the employees who worked overtime.
暑い中、工事の作業員たちに「ご苦労様です」とねぎらいの言葉をかけた。
In the heat, I offered words of appreciation to the construction workers, saying "Thank you for your hard work."
USAGE:
This expression is used to thank someone for their labor or effort, but it carries a hierarchical nuance. It is appropriate in the following situations:
- A boss to employees
- A customer to service workers (delivery, repair, etc.)
- A host to workers at their house
CAUTION:
Using ご苦労様 toward a boss or social superior is widely considered rude, as it implies you are looking down on their effort. Use お疲れ様です instead when speaking to peers or superiors.
CONTRAST:
- ご苦労様 vs. お疲れ様: お疲れ様 is safe to use with anyone regardless of hierarchy. ご苦労様 should only be used toward subordinates or people providing a service to you.
VARIATIONS:
- ご苦労様です (polite)
- ご苦労様でした (acknowledging completed work)
- ご苦労さん (casual, more familiar)