The Meaning of kochira koso [こちらこそ] In Japanese

こちらこそ

Romaji: kochira koso N5

What does こちらこそ mean?

Translation and Meaning

this side as well, the feeling is mutual, I should be the one to say thanks

Definition

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.

Type

expression (慣用句)

Stroke Order

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.

Usage

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.

💡 Tips

Mnemonic: picture yourself pointing to your own chest and saying this side too to remind yourself that gratitude goes both ways.

Variations

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)

Example Phrases

今日はお世話になりました、こちらこそありがとうございます。

Kyou wa osewa ni narimashita, kochira koso arigatou gozaimasu.

Thanks for today; the same to you.
Lista:
- 今日は (Kyou wa) – today
- お世話 (osewa) – care
- になりました (ni narimashita) – became
- こちらこそ (kochira koso) – likewise / the same to you
- ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) – thank you very much
Mutual gratitude; 「こちらこそ」 expresses ‘the same to you’ in response to thanks.