Quick answer: Otsukaresama (お疲れ様) is a Japanese phrase used to recognize someone’s effort. Depending on the situation, it can mean “good work,” “thanks for your hard work,” or even a workplace greeting. A polite common form is otsukaresama desu. At the end of work, people often say otsukaresama deshita. Quick …

Quick answer: Sama (様) is a highly respectful Japanese honorific. It is more formal than san and is used for customers, guests, formal letters, deities, and very respectful address. You will see sama in business, service situations, anime, and written Japanese, but it can sound too formal if used casually …

Have you ever walked through the vibrant streets of Tokyo or Osaka and noticed something curious about the couples around you? They’re holding hands, sharing shy smiles, or strolling under cherry blossoms, but one thing is conspicuously absent: hugs. For many of us, especially in Western cultures, hugging is a …