お is a polite prefix, 邪魔 means disturbance, and します is the polite form of “do”. The fixed phrase politely acknowledges entering another person’s space.
お is a polite prefix, 邪魔 means disturbance, and します is the polite form of “do”. The fixed phrase politely acknowledges entering another person’s space.
When do you say it?
When you enter another person's home.
Does it literally mean you are disturbing someone?
The words suggest disturbance, but the phrase is a conventional courteous greeting.
Who says it?
The visitor says it, not the host.
Is it the same as 失礼します?
Both are polite, but お邪魔します is especially associated with entering someone's home.
What can the host say?
The host may answer どうぞ or いらっしゃい。