〜お疲れ様でした
thanks for the work (set phrase)
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜お疲れ様でした” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜お疲れ様でした」 means "thanks for the work (set phrase)". Structure: Set phrase. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会議、お疲れ様でした。
かいぎ、おつかれさま でした。
kaigi, otsukaresama deshita.
Good work on the meeting.
At work
Example 2紹介、お疲れ様でした。
しょうかい、おつかれさま でした。
shoukai, otsukaresama deshita.
Good work on the introduction.
At work
Example 3経験、お疲れ様でした。
けいけん、おつかれさま でした。
keiken, otsukaresama deshita.
Good work on the experience.
At work
Example 4翻訳、お疲れ様でした。
ほんやく、おつかれさま でした。
hon'yaku, otsukaresama deshita.
Good work on the translation.
At work
Example 5給料、お疲れ様でした。
きゅうりょう、おつかれさま でした。
kyuuryou, otsukaresama deshita.
Good work on the salary.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Good work on the meeting.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜お疲れ様でした.
Remember tomorrow
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Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.