Okagesama de (おかげさまで): The 'Thanks to You' Gratitude Secret!

If you've lived in Japan for a while, you've surely heard this phrase many times. When asked about their health, work, or when reporting good news, Japanese people often use 'Okagesama de' (おかげさまで). This is one of the phrases that most clearly expresses the spirit of humility and the culture of valuing connections in Japan. ✨

Let's learn how to use this 'ultimate weapon' to communicate subtly like a native!

💡 What does 'Okagesama de' mean?

Simply put, it means 'Thanks to you/everyone...', 'Thank goodness/you', or 'Fortunately' in English.

• おかげ (Okage): Originates from the character 'お陰', meaning 'the shadow'. Figuratively, it means 'protection', 'help', 'grace'.
• さまで (sama de): Is a polite way of speaking.

➡️ Combined, Okagesama de expresses gratitude for the help, support (even if invisible) from the other person, from those around, or even from some 'force' that has helped one achieve a good result.

🤔 When to use 'Okagesama de'?

This is an extremely flexible phrase, used in many situations:

1. When responding to a greeting

This is the most common use. Instead of just answering 'Yes, I'm fine' dryly, adding this phrase makes your answer much more humble and warm.

Example: A:「お元気ですか？」(How are you?) B:「はい、おかげさまで元気にやっております。」(Yes, thanks to everyone, I'm doing well.) 🙏

A:「プロジェクト、順調ですか？」(Is the project going smoothly?) B:「ええ、おかげさまで。もうすぐ終わりそうです。」(Yes, thank goodness it is. It should be finished soon.)

2. When reporting good news or achievements

When you achieve something, using 'Okagesama de' is a way to 'share' that success with others, showing that you are not conceited and are grateful for the support you received.

Example: 「おかげさまで、第一志望の大学に合格しました！」(Thanks to everyone, I got into my first-choice university!) 「無事に退院することができました。おかげさまで。」(I was able to leave the hospital safely. Thank you all.)

3. Variation: 〜no okage de (Thanks to...)

When you want to emphasize and thank a specific person for their help, you can use the structure [Person's name/Noun] + のおかげで.

Example: 「田中さんのおかげで、プレゼンがうまくいきました。ありがとうございます。」(Thanks to Mr. Tanaka, the presentation went well. Thank you very much.) 👍

✨ Why should you use it?

In Japan, showing humility (謙遜 - kenson) is extremely important. Using 'Okagesama de' shows that you are aware that your success or health is not created by you alone, but also thanks to the contribution and support of those around you.

It creates a very positive impression, showing that you are a considerate, humble person who values relationships.

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Next time someone asks how you are, don't just answer 「はい、元気です。」. Try adding the magic phrase 'Okagesama de' and feel the difference! 😉