1. Quick Definition (TL;DR)

• Kanji: お疲れ様 (Formal: お疲れ様です)
• Kana: おつかれさま
• Romaji: Otsukaresama (or just “Otsukare”)
• English Meaning: “Thank you for your hard work,” “Good work,” “See you next time,” “Hello” (between coworkers).
• Pronunciation Guide: Oh-tsoo-kah-reh-sah-mah

2. Deep Dive: The “Otaku” Nuance

If you watch enough Slice of Life or Sports anime, you have definitely heard this word. Otsukaresama is arguably the most versatile and culturally important phrase in the Japanese language, and it appears constantly in anime.

The word comes from the verb tsukareru (to get tired). So, literally, you are saying, “You look tired (because you worked so hard).”

In the West, we say “Good job” or “See ya.” But in anime (and Japan), Otsukaresama carries a nuance of shared struggle and solidarity. It validates the effort someone put in, whether they won or lost. When the protagonist collapses after a boss battle and their ally says “Otsukare,” they aren’t just saying “bye”—they are saying, “I recognize the burden you carried for us.”

It is the ultimate “team player” phrase, used to smooth over social interactions and show appreciation for the grind.

3. Typical Situations in Anime

1. The “Club Activity” Sign-off
In almost every sports anime (like Haikyuu!! or Blue Lock) or school club anime (K-On!), this is the standard dismissal phrase. The sun is setting, the team is sweaty and changing in the locker room. As they part ways to walk home, they don’t say “Sayonara.” They shout, “Otsukare-shita!” (A slangy, shortened version).

2. The Salaryman Beer Clink
In workplace anime like Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku or Aggretsuko, characters often gather at an Izakaya (pub) after a brutal day at the office. As they smash their beer mugs together, they shout “Otsukaresama desu!” It’s the magic spell that transitions them from “Work Mode” to “Relax Mode.”

3. The Idol Backstage Pass
In idol anime like Love Live! or Oshi no Ko, characters must maintain perfect energy on stage. The second they step backstage and slump against the wall, the staff and other idols greet them with “Otsukaresama.” It acknowledges the switch from their public persona back to their real self.

4. Real Life vs. Anime (Can I use this?)

• Safety Rating: Essential / Super Safe
• Verdict: This is one of the few anime words you should use in real life!

Unlike words like Kisama (which you should never use), Otsukaresama is the grease that keeps Japanese society moving. If you work in Japan or join a Japanese circle/guild in an MMO, this is mandatory vocabulary.

Warning: Watch your politeness level!

• Otsukaresama desu: Use this with your boss, teachers, or people you don’t know well.
• Otsukare: Use this ONLY with close friends, teammates, or people younger/lower rank than you. Saying just “Otsukare” to a strict Senpai might get you a glare!

5. Related Terms

• Gokurousama (ご苦労様): Similar meaning, but strictly top-down. A boss says this to a worker. Never say this to your boss, or you will look incredibly arrogant!
• Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします): The opposite of Otsukaresama. You say Yoroshiku before starting work, and Otsukare when finishing.
• Faitooo (ファイト): “Fight!” Used to cheer someone on during the struggle, whereas Otsukare is used after the struggle is over.

Summary

Otsukaresama is the ultimate vibe check that says, “I see your hard work, and I respect it.”