How to Say ‘Excuse me for going first.’ in Japanese
お先に失礼します。
o saki ni shitsurei shi masu
[o sah-kee nee sheet-soo-RAY shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: 失礼します literally means "I commit a rudeness". It is a set apology for stepping ahead of others, entering a room, or hanging up the phone.
Phrase Breakdown
お先に
o saki ni
before you / ahead of you
先 (saki) means 'ahead'. お makes it polite, and に marks 'ahead of others'. Say it smoothly: o-sa-ki-ni.
お先にどうぞ。
After you. (Please go first.)
Words in this phrase
お
o
[o]
polite prefix
Prefix added for politeness.
お名前は？
What is your name?
先
saki
[sah-kee]
ahead; first
Means earlier or before something else in order or timing.
先を確認します。
I will check the earlier one first.
に
ni
[nee]
in; at; to
Particle showing location or direction.
ここに座って。
Sit here.
失礼します。
shitsurei shi masu
excuse me (for leaving)
A polite phrase for leaving or interrupting. The 'shi' in 'shitsurei' is often whispered: 'sh'tsurei'.
では、失礼します。
Well then, excuse me.
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
し is the stem of する, meaning to do.
予約しします。
I do the reservation.
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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