# omotenashi

/oʊmoʊtɛnɑːʃi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/omotenashi
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a Japanese way of looking after guests that goes beyond just being polite. It means taking care of someone's needs before they even ask, with a sincere heart and no expectation of a reward.

For teachers: a Japanese philosophy of hospitality characterized by wholehearted care and the anticipation of a guest's needs. It emphasizes a selfless approach where the host provides service without expecting anything in return.

## Examples

- The hotel staff practiced omotenashi by preparing my favorite tea before I arrived.
- Luxury brands often study omotenashi to understand how to provide a level of service that feels both invisible and deeply personal.
- Rooted in the traditional tea ceremony, omotenashi represents a social contract where the host treats every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide perfect comfort.

## Usage notes

- Often used in business and tourism contexts to describe high-end Japanese service standards.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.