How to Say ‘Excuse me.’ in Japanese
失礼します。
shitsurei shi masu
[sheet-soo-RAY shee mahs]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a polite all-purpose phrase you can say when sitting down, entering a room, or leaving. When taking your leave, it is often 失礼しました.
Phrase Breakdown
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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