Universal
Cultural · Communication
You
いつもお世話になっています。本当にありがとうございます。
いつもおせわになっています。ほんとうにありがとうございます。
I am always in your debt / I always benefit from your kindness. Thank you truly.
Romaji: Itsumo osewa ni natte imasu. Hontou ni arigatou gozaimasu. / Reply Romaji: Ie ie, kochira koso osewa ni natte orimasu.
Reply
いいえ、こちらこそお世話になっております。
いいえ、こちらこそおせわになっております。
Not at all — if anything, I am the one who benefits from your kindness.
Gesture & etiquette
Accompany this phrase with a 15-20 degree bow. Use it naturally in passing — it does not require a full stop in conversation. The casual version ('osewa ni natte masu') works with familiar colleagues. Use the full 'gozaimasu' version for clients and superiors. This phrase is one of the most important social lubricants in Japanese relationship maintenance.
The phrase 'osewa ni natte imasu' has no direct English equivalent — it expresses ongoing appreciation for another person's continuous support and care. It is used constantly in Japanese social and business life: to neighbors, colleagues, clients, teachers. Saying it often is not excessive — it actively maintains the relationship through expressed gratitude.