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How to Say ‘Well then, excuse me for coming in.’ in Japanese

では、お邪魔します。

de wa o jama shi masu

[deh wah o jama shee mahs]

💬 Usage Tip: では (dewa) is the polite form of じゃあ (jā) "well then." Use では with in-laws and じゃあ with friends.

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is usually a reply to the host's どうぞ "please, come in." Wait for that invitation at the door rather than heading straight inside.

Phrase Breakdown

で

de

[deh]

well (part of では 'well then')

Together with は, forms では, meaning 'well then' at the start of a sentence.

Example

では、始めましょう。

Well then, let's begin.

は

wa

[wah]

(part of では 'well then')

Combined with で to make the conjunction では.

Example

では、また明日。

Well then, see you tomorrow.

お

o

[o]

polite prefix

A prefix added to words to show respect.

Example

お邪魔します、おじゃまします。

Excuse me for disturbing.

邪魔

jama

[jama]

intrusion

Refers to intruding or interfering, often used apologetically.

Example

お邪魔します、おじゃまします。

Excuse me for disturbing.

し

shi

[shee]

do (stem)

Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.

Example

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.

Example

予約を確認し ます。

I will confirm the reservation.

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