You have suffered

In Japanese offices, workers often say お苦労様でした (okurousamadeshita) to each other. Literally "You have suffered" or "It was difficult for you," in effect "You have worked very hard."

For example, people say okurousamadeshita when someone leaves the office, or when someone returns from an out-of-school meeting, coaching the school team, etc. Essentially a gesture of appreciation/cheer/consolation. However, apparently I have not fully appreicated the range of its application.

Today after lunch time, while emerging from my daily doo-dooing in the school can, I received an okurosamadeshita from the school nurse.

Yes, thank you very much for your concern, I have indeed.


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(updated:

Yukigassen and Taiwan pics)