失礼します
shitsurei shimasu
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Translating...
excuse me, pardon me
/ɕitsɯɾeː ɕimaꜜsɯ/
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A courteous notice before entering, leaving, or interrupting someone.
Examples
電話を切る前に「失礼します」と言った。
Before ending the call I said, “Goodbye, then.”
先生の部屋を出るとき「失礼します」と言った。
I said “Excuse me” as I left the teacher’s room.
ドアをノックして「失礼します」と入った。
I knocked and said “Excuse me” as I entered.
「失礼します、少しお話しできますか」と尋ねた。
“Excuse me, could we talk for a moment?” I asked.
会議の途中で「失礼します」と声をかけた。
I interrupted the meeting with “Excuse me.”
Meanings
Examples
ドアをノックして「失礼します」と入った。
I knocked and said “Excuse me” as I entered.
先生の部屋を出るとき「失礼します」と言った。
I said “Excuse me” as I left the teacher’s room.
会議の途中で「失礼します」と声をかけた。
I interrupted the meeting with “Excuse me.”
電話を切る前に「失礼します」と言った。
Before ending the call I said, “Goodbye, then.”
「失礼します、少しお話しできますか」と尋ねた。
“Excuse me, could we talk for a moment?” I asked.
Etymology
Literally “I will be discourteous,” a conventional way to acknowledge a small intrusion.
FAQ
Before entering or leaving a room, interrupting, or ending a formal conversation.
Does it literally mean I am rude?
Its literal words mention discourtesy, but the phrase is a polite notice.
Can I say it when entering a teacher's room?
Yes. It is a standard way to announce your entry.
The past form often acknowledges an interruption or imposition that has already happened.
Yes. It is a more formal humble version.
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