Business Japanese – Difference between “お疲れ様” and “ご苦労様”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “お疲れ様” and “ご苦労様“
2. お疲れ様
3. ご苦労様
4. Usage in Modern Times
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Is it necessary to distinguish between “お疲れ様” and “ご苦労様“?
A: Both expressions show appreciation for someone’s efforts, but they differ in the person they are used with, the context, and the nuance. There are various theories about their origins, but their exact origins are unclear.
お疲れ様
“疲れ” is the noun form of “疲れる” (to get tired), meaning “the act of becoming tired” or “fatigue.”
The phrase “お疲れ様” is used to express appreciation for someone’s fatigue, adding “お” to show respect and further including the honorific “様” to acknowledge the person’s efforts and show gratitude.
In modern times, “お疲れ様です” is commonly used as a greeting when leaving work or passing by someone, making its usage very versatile.
This expression can range from casual to formal, with various ways to use it:
Formal: お疲れ様です / お疲れ様でした / お疲れ様でございます
Casual: お疲れ / お疲れさん / お疲れ様
[Examples]
先輩：「お疲れ！今、営業から帰ったの？」
後輩：「お疲れ様です。さっき帰ったところです。」
Senior: “Good job! Just got back from sales?”
Junior: “Thank you for your hard work. Yes, I just got back.”
店長：「お疲れさん。時間だからもう帰ってもいいよ。」
店員：「ありがとうございます。お疲れ様でした。失礼します。」
Manager: “Good work. It’s time, so you can go home now.”
Employee: “Thank you. Thank you for your hard work. Excuse me.”
ご苦労様
“苦労” refers to the physical or mental effort put into something difficult or strenuous, meaning the hardship or struggle one goes through. The expression “ご苦労様” is used to acknowledge and show appreciation for someone’s hardship, adding “ご” for respect and “様” to further honor their efforts.
While there are different levels of formality in this expression, “お疲れ様” is more commonly used in everyday situations, while “ご苦労様” is typically reserved for more specific, limited contexts.
Formal: ご苦労様です / ご苦労様でした
Casual：ご苦労 / ご苦労さん / ご苦労様
[Examples]
社長：「暑い中、営業ご苦労様！」
部下：「ありがとうございます。」
Manager: “Thank you for your hard work in this heat!”
Employee: “Thank you.”
（自分の頼みごとをした後輩に対して）
先輩：「急なお願いだったのにありがとう。ご苦労様でした。」
後輩：「わたしでよければ、いつでも言ってください！」
Senior: “Thanks for helping with the sudden request. I appreciate your hard work.”
Junior: “If you ever need anything, feel free to ask anytime!”
Usage in Modern Times
The origins of these two expressions are believed to lie in the samurai society. Over time, their usage has evolved, and today, the following usage has become established.
“お疲れ様” is an expression that can be used regardless of the person’s position, while “ご苦労様” is reserved for situations where the hierarchical relationship is considered.
In modern times, it is considered extremely impolite for someone of lower status to say “ご苦労様” to someone of higher status, so special attention should be paid to this distinction.
[Examples]
〇 先輩、お疲れ様です。すみませんが、今お時間よろしいでしょうか。
“Thank you for your hard work. Sorry to bother you, but is now a good time?”
× 先輩、ご苦労様です。すみませんが、今お時間よろしいでしょうか。
“Thank you for your efforts. Sorry to bother you, but is now a good time?”
部長：今日の営業はちょっと大変だったよ。
Manager: “Today’s sales were a bit tough.”
部下：〇 そうなんですか、それはお疲れ様でした。
Employee: “I see, thank you for your hard work.”
× そうなんですか、それはご苦労様でした。
”I see, thank you for your efforts.”
Summary
| Target Audience | Context | |
| お疲れ様 | Boss, Colleagues, Subordinates, Friends | Used in a wide range of situations, such as after daily work, greetings, and after meetings. |
| ご苦労様 | Subordinates or those of lower status | Used in limited contexts, such as after assigning tasks to subordinates. |
