Translation guide
How to excuse yourself when leaving a room, a meeting, or someone's presence in Japanese. The most common expression is 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu), used in many everyday situations. Other options vary by formality and context.
失礼します
pardon me for leaving
Standard polite phrase used when leaving a room, meeting, or someone's presence.
The speaker is leaving a room, a meeting, or someone's presence and wants to politely excuse themselves.
The standard, polite way to say 'excuse me for leaving' or 'pardon me for leaving.' Used when leaving a room, ending a visit, or hanging up the phone. Suitable for most situations, including workplaces and formal settings.
A more formal and humble version of 失礼します. Used in very formal business settings or when speaking to superiors.
お先に失礼いたします。
I will take my leave now. (very formal)
Literally 'I have disturbed you.' Used when leaving someone's home or office after a visit, acknowledging that you intruded on their time/space. More specific than 失礼します.
今日はお邪魔しました。
Thank you for having me today. (said when leaving someone's home)
A slightly more apologetic version, combining 'sorry' with 'excuse me for leaving.' Useful when you feel you are interrupting or leaving abruptly.
すみません、失礼します。
Sorry, excuse me. (said when leaving a room during a meeting)
A casual version with じゃあ ('well then'). Used among friends or in informal situations. Not suitable for formal settings.
じゃあ、失礼します。
Well, I'm off then. (casual)
失礼します is a general phrase for excusing yourself when leaving any situation. お邪魔しました specifically acknowledges that you have been a guest in someone's space and is used when leaving a home or office after a visit. You can use both together: お邪魔しました。失礼します。
お邪魔しました。失礼します。
Thank you for having me. Excuse me. (said when leaving someone's home)
If you are leaving before others (e.g., leaving work early), add お先に (おさきに) before 失礼します. This acknowledges that you are leaving first and is considered polite.