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Word
Kana: こちらこそ Romaji: kochirakoso Level: N2

こちらこそ

Meaning in English

it is I who should say so

Illustrated Dictionary
こちらこそ - Illustrated Dictionary
Dictionary

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)