1.
thank you for your hard work; good job (said to colleagues or coworkers)
A standard workplace greeting used to acknowledge someone's effort. Said when meeting colleagues during work, when someone finishes a task, or as a farewell at the end of the workday.
2.
goodbye; see you (casual farewell among acquaintances)
Used casually as a parting greeting, especially among people who have been doing something together.
One of the most important and frequently used expressions in Japanese workplace culture. It has no direct English equivalent — it functions simultaneously as a greeting, a farewell, and an acknowledgment of shared effort.
Formality levels
- お疲れさまです: standard polite (used with colleagues, seniors)
- お疲れさまでした: past tense, used at end of day or after completing work
- お疲れ: casual (used among close colleagues, friends)
- お疲れさまでございます: very formal (used with superiors or clients)
Usage
Used when arriving at work, leaving work, passing colleagues in hallways, after meetings, and as a general acknowledgment. It is considered rude NOT to say it in workplace settings.