Formal to Client
Workplace · Greeting
ご足労いただき、誠にありがとうございます。 — Thank you sincerely for taking the trouble to come. (Workplace · Greeting, Formal to Client, JLPT N3)
You
ご足労いただき、誠にありがとうございます。
ごそくろういただき、まことにありがとうございます。
Thank you sincerely for taking the trouble to come.
Romaji: Gosokurou itadaki, makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu. / Reply Romaji: Ieie, kochira koso omaneki itadaki arigatou gozaimasu.
Reply
いえいえ、こちらこそお招きいただきありがとうございます。
いえいえ、こちらこそおまねきいただきありがとうございます。
Not at all — thank you for inviting me.
Gesture & etiquette
Greet the visitor at the entrance or reception. Bow (30°). Guide with open palm (never finger-point) toward the meeting room. Offer to take their coat or umbrella. Walk slightly ahead and to the side to lead them.
ご足労 (gosokurou, literally 'foot labor') is the polite way to acknowledge someone traveled to you. Used when greeting visitors at your office/store, or anyone who came for a meeting. Always with 'いただき' (humble receiving) + thanks. Foreigners often skip this — it stands out as missing essential politeness. Offer to take their coat or umbrella next.