“Good Morning” Even in the Afternoon

“Ohayo gozaimasu” is a greeting used in the morning. However, there are some workplaces where you greet people you meet for the first time that day with “Ohayo gozaimasu” even in the afternoon. This custom is common in workplaces where people work even late at night, such as restaurants, TV stations, and the entertainment industry.

Often young people and students also greet people they meet for the first time in the afternoon with “Ohayo“. This is because students use the same greeting they learned at their part-time jobs in restaurants, etc. to greet their peers.

The afternoon greeting is “Konnichiwa (good afternoon)”, but saying “good afternoon” to someone close to you sounds distant. Therefore, in some workplaces, “Ohayo (gozaimasu)” is preferred instead. However, the most common internal greeting in the afternoon is “Otsukaresama desu”.

You Can Use “Otsukaresama desu” in Any Situation

“Otsukaresama desu (deshita)” can be used in various situations.

• When you meet someone for the first time in the afternoon: “Otsukaresama desu”.
• To a senior or colleague returning to work from outside the office: “Otsukaresama deshita”.
• When you arrive at work for the first time in the afternoon: “Otsukaresama desu”.
• To your boss/senior who is leaving first (pictured above): “Otsukaresama deshita”.
• When you leave first: “Otsukaresama deshita” or “Osakini shitsurei shimasu”.

“Otsukaresama desu (deshita)” is an important word along with “Arigato gozaimasu (thank you)” and “Sumimasen (sorry)” to build a good relationship.

The Difference Between “Gokurosama” and “Otsukaresama”

One day, when you were leaving for home, your boss said to you, “Gokurosama”.

What is the difference between “Gokurosama” and “Otsukaresama”?

“Gokurosama” is not used towards someone superior or senior. You should not say ““Gokurosama deshita” to your boss. You should say “Otsukaresama deshita” instead.

If you want to know more, check here!

Japanese Business Customs｜JICA-Net Library