Word
こちらこそ
Meaning in Englishit is I who should say so
Word context
What it means
It means the sentiment 'the feeling is mutual' or 'it's I who should say thanks', used to reciprocate gratitude in response to another person's thanks.
Main meanings
- Reciprocal gratitude: you respond to thanks with thanks in return.
- Expresses politeness and humility: acknowledges the other person's consideration while shifting the thanks to yourself.
- Nuanced usage: more formal or reserved; used in everyday exchanges to sound courteous.
How to use it
Used as a polite response to thanks, in formal and casual settings, signaling mutual appreciation and humility; typically appropriated after someone expresses gratitude in conversations, meetings, or service encounters.
Variants and close terms
- 同じく — onajiku (meaning: likewise, similarly)
- 同様に — douyou ni (meaning: in the same way, likewise)
- こちらも — kochiramo (meaning: you as well, me too)
Word class
expression (慣用句)