How to Say ‘Excuse me for intruding.’ in Japanese
お邪魔します。
o jama shi masu
[o jama shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: 邪魔 (jama) on its own means "a nuisance, something in the way," so you're literally saying "I'm going to be a bother." Switch the ending to past tense when you leave: お邪魔しました "sorry for having intruded."
🇯🇵 In Japan: Say this as you step up from the entryway into someone's home, even a relative's. In-laws will notice if you walk in without it, and it sets a polite tone before you hand over your gift.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
polite prefix
A prefix added to words to show respect.
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.
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.
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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