How to Say ‘I'll be heading off soon.’ in Japanese
そろそろ失礼しますね。
sorosoro shitsurei shi masu ne
[soh-roh-SOH-roh sheet-soo-RAY shee mahs ne]
💬 Usage Tip: 失礼します literally means "I'll be rude". It's the polite way to excuse yourself, and そろそろ "about time" softens it.
Phrase Breakdown
そろそろ
sorosoro
[soh-roh-SOH-roh]
soon; about time
Indicates it's about time to do something.
そろそろ行こう。
Let's get going soon.
失礼しますね。
shitsurei shi masu ne
I'll be leaving now.
失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) is a polite way to say you're leaving. The 'i' in shi is light. ね adds a friendly tone.
お先に失礼しますね。
I'll head out before you.
Words in this phrase
失礼
shitsurei
[sheet-soo-RAY]
rudeness; excuse me
Means impoliteness; with します it's a polite way to excuse yourself or say goodbye.
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
し
shi
[shee]
do (stem)
Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.
注文をお願いし、ます。
I would like to place the order, please.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
ね
ne
[ne]
isn't it; right
Sentence-ending particle that seeks agreement or adds friendliness.
今日は暑いですね。
It's hot today, isn't it?
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