How to Say ‘Well, I should get going now.’ in Japanese
じゃあ、そろそろ失礼します。
jaa sorosoro shitsurei shi masu
[jah-ah soh-roh-SOH-roh sheet-soo-RAY shee mahs]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a soft, polite way to end the conversation without any awkwardness. Using it signals a respectful goodbye rather than a sudden exit.
Phrase Breakdown
じゃあ、そろそろ
jaa sorosoro
Well then, it's about time
じゃあ means 'well then', and そろそろ means 'soon' or 'about time'. Keep the rhythm even: so-ro-so-ro.
じゃあ、そろそろ行こう。
Well then, let's get going.
Words in this phrase
じゃあ
jaa
[jah-ah]
well then
Used when deciding something or moving on to the next step in conversation.
じゃあ、ハンバーグにします。
Well then, I’ll have the hamburger steak.
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。
shitsurei shi masu
I'll take my leave.
A polite phrase for leaving. Say it shi-tsu-rei shi-mas.
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving first.
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.
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