How to Say ‘Excuse me (when leaving).’ in Japanese
失礼します。
shitsurei shi masu
[shee-tsoo-RAY shee mahs]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Say this as you step away from your boss's desk or out of a meeting room, often with a slight bow. Leaving without it feels abrupt in a Japanese office.
Phrase Breakdown
失礼
shitsurei
[shee-tsoo-RAY]
rudeness; excuse me
Means impoliteness; with します it's a polite way to leave or interrupt.
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving first.
し
shi
[shee]
do; make
The verb stem of する, attached to 交換 to form the action 'to exchange.'
名刺を交換したいです。
I want to exchange business cards.
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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