Translation guide
How to express the formal or polite act of departing, saying goodbye, or excusing oneself in Japanese.
To formally announce or perform one's departure, often in a polite or ceremonial context.
Well then, I'll be going now.
A very polite and somewhat formal way to announce one's departure, often used when leaving someone's home or a formal gathering. It literally means 'I will take my leave'.
そろそろお暇します。
I should be taking my leave soon.
A more polite version of お先に失礼します, using humble language. Suitable for formal business settings.
お先に失礼いたします。
I will take my leave now. (very polite)
Literally 'With this, I take my leave.' Used when departing after a brief interaction or when handing something over.
では、これで失礼します。
Well then, I'll take my leave now.
To physically depart from a social situation, meeting, or location.
The standard way to say 'I'm going home' or 'I'm leaving'. Used in casual to semi-formal contexts.
もう帰ります。
I'm leaving now.
そろそろ帰りますね。
I'll be heading home soon.
Means 'I'm leaving' or 'I'll go out'. Used when exiting a room or building, not necessarily going home.
先に出ます。
I'll leave first.
A shortened, casual way to say 'I'm leaving before you'. Often used among colleagues or friends.
お先に！
I'm off! (leaving before others)
To leave a conversation or room briefly, with the intention of returning.
Used when stepping away momentarily, e.g., to use the restroom or take a call. 'Excuse me for a moment.'
ちょっと失礼します。
Excuse me for a moment.
A formal way to say 'I will excuse myself temporarily' from a meeting or formal event.
申し訳ありませんが、中座します。
I apologize, but I must excuse myself for a moment.
To bid farewell in a poetic, dramatic, or old-fashioned manner.
The English phrase 'take one's leave' is quite formal and somewhat old-fashioned. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend heavily on context. Using a literal translation like 休暇を取る (きゅうかをとる, 'take a vacation') would be incorrect for the social act of departing. Stick to the set phrases above.
失礼します is the all-purpose polite phrase for leaving, suitable for most situations. お暇します is more formal and humble, typically used when leaving someone's home or a formal event. Overusing お暇します in casual settings can sound stiff.
A refined, somewhat old-fashioned farewell, often associated with upper-class or traditional settings. Can mean 'Goodbye' or 'Take care'.
ごきげんよう、またお会いしましょう。
Farewell, let us meet again.