Translation guide
How to politely leave a conversation, a room, or a social situation in Japanese. The best phrase depends on the context: leaving a meeting, ending a chat, or stepping away briefly.
Politely indicating that you need to leave or end an interaction.
The most common and versatile phrase for excusing yourself. Literally 'I'm being rude,' but used to politely leave a room, end a conversation, or hang up the phone. Suitable for most situations.
I should be going now.
Excuse me for leaving before you. (said when leaving work earlier than others)
Used when leaving someone's home or office. Literally 'I have disturbed you,' acknowledging the intrusion. Very polite.
Thank you for today. Sorry for the intrusion.
A casual, shortened version of 失礼します. Used among friends or in informal settings when stepping away briefly.
Excuse me for a sec, I'm going to the bathroom.
A casual way to signal the end of a conversation, similar to 'Well then, I'll be off.' Often accompanied by a bow.
Well then, I'll be off. See you tomorrow.
Used when leaving someone's house, literally 'please excuse me.' Somewhat old-fashioned but still heard.
Goodbye (said when leaving someone's home).
Excusing yourself to leave the room for a short time, e.g., to use the restroom.
The standard way to say 'Excuse me for a moment' when leaving a meeting or gathering temporarily.
Excuse me for a moment.
More explicit: 'I'll step away from my seat for a moment.' Common in business settings.
Sorry, I need to step away for a moment.
Excusing oneself from a formal gathering, such as a business meeting or tea ceremony.
A very polite version of お先に失礼します, using humble language. Appropriate when leaving before superiors.
Please excuse me for leaving before you. (very polite)
Extremely formal phrase used to announce one's departure from a formal event. Rare in daily conversation.
I shall take my leave now. (very formal)
Use 失礼します when leaving a place where you are not necessarily a guest (e.g., office, meeting). Use お邪魔しました when leaving someone's private space (home, personal office) to acknowledge the intrusion.
When leaving a meeting room, say '失礼します'.
When leaving a friend's house, say 'お邪魔しました'.
The English phrase 'excuse me' has many uses (apology, getting attention, passing by). In Japanese, different phrases are used for each. For excusing oneself, 失礼します is the default, not すみません (which is for apologies or getting attention).