こちらこそ

• 読み: こちらこそ
• ローマ字: kochira koso
• 発音: /ko.tɕi.ɾa.ko.so/

意味

A reciprocal expression meaning 'likewise,' 'same to you,' or 'I should be the one saying that' — redirects thanks or praise back.

こちらこそ is the elegant Japanese way of saying 'right back at you.' When someone thanks you, apologises, or says something kind, こちらこそ redirects that sentiment back to them. It is deeply embedded in Japanese social interaction where mutual acknowledgment maintains harmony. It works in both casual and polite registers and is often paired with いえいえ for a full humble response.

例文

1. 今日はありがとう。こちらこそ、楽しかったよ。
2. すみません、お手数おかけしました。こちらこそ、申し訳ありません。
3. よろしくお願いします。こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。

使い方ガイド

場面: reciprocal thanks, greetings, business, daily conversation

トーン: reciprocal, warm

正しい言い方

• こちらこそ、いつもお世話になっています (Likewise, thank you for always taking care of things)
• こちらこそありがとう、また遊ぼうね (Thank you too, let's hang out again)

避ける言い方

• 相手が謝っている時にむやみに「こちらこそ」を使うと責任の所在があいまいになる (Using こちらこそ carelessly when someone is apologising can blur who is actually responsible)

よくある間違い

• Using こちらこそ when the reciprocal sentiment doesn't actually apply — make sure it logically works both ways
• Forgetting that こちらこそ alone can sound abrupt — usually followed by a complete thought

起源と歴史

From こちら (this side/me) + こそ (emphatic particle meaning 'precisely' or 'indeed'). Literally 'it is precisely this side [that should say that].' A fundamental expression of Japanese reciprocal politeness.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional, universally current

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal

地域メモ: Used nationwide at all formality levels. A cornerstone of Japanese reciprocal communication and one of the most frequently used set phrases.