Formal to Superior
Workplace · Greeting
長い間、大変お世話になりました。ご健康をお祈り申し上げます。 — Thank you for your many years of guidance and support. I sincerely wish you the very best of health. (Workplace · Greeting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N3)
You
長い間、大変お世話になりました。ご健康をお祈り申し上げます。
ながいあいだ、たいへんおせわになりました。ごけんこうをおいのりもうしあげます。
Thank you for your many years of guidance and support. I sincerely wish you the very best of health.
Romaji: Nagai aida, taihen osewa ni narimashita. Gokenkō wo oinori moushiagemasu. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou. Minna ni mo yoroshiku.
Reply
ありがとう。みんなにもよろしく。
ありがとう。みんなにもよろしく。
Thank you. Please pass along my regards to everyone.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow deeply (30-45 degrees) as you say this phrase. If in a farewell gathering, presenting the departing person's gift or flowers while saying this adds ceremonial weight — they often remember the exact words spoken at farewell parties.
This farewell is used when a colleague retires or leaves long-term. 「お世話になりました」(thank you for your care) is the cornerstone phrase in Japanese relationship maintenance. Closing with a health wish (「ご健康をお祈り」) shows genuine human concern beyond the professional relationship.