The word meaning ‘You must be tired working so hard. Thank you always.’, has always been used to comfort others. Today, this one-of-a-kind greeting is used in multiple of ways. If you were to go up to a Japanese and say OTSUKARE, many will surely be surprised for you to know such a local word, and put on a smile. We cannot imagine any Japanese feeling offended or uncomfortable when spoken to with OTSUKARE! So go on, don’t hesitate!

もとは「疲れてない？いつもありがとう」と仕事相手を思いやる言葉でしたが、現代では様々なシチュエーションで日常的に使われる日本独特の挨拶の言葉です。外国人が日本人にOTSUKARE! と話しかけると多くの人は「おや良く知ってるね」と微笑むでしょう。OTSUKARE! と言われて嫌な気分になる日本人はほとんどいないかも。さぁ どんどん使ってみて！

HANAMI is a traditional Japanese custom in spring. In Japan, cherry blossoms bloom from late March to late April. It's like a picnic where many people enjoy cherry blossoms. For the Japanese, cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring, symbolizing a short but beautiful life.

OTSUKARE! Is a friendly yet a very casual word. Attaching SAMA (OTSUKARE SAMA) will show more respect. Further attaching DESU (OTSUKARE SAMA DESU) will make the greeting most polite. It will be appropriate to use with the elderlies.