Polite noun used when referring to going ahead of someone or doing something before others. Often used in set phrases like お先に.
Please go ahead and enter.
the future
Used in polite contexts to refer to what lies ahead or the future, often in contrast to the present.
No one knows what the future holds.
pardon me for leaving first
Interjection used when leaving before others, typically in a workplace or social setting. Often part of the longer phrase お先に失礼します.
See also: お先に失礼します
I'll be leaving now. (Excuse me for going first.)
After you.
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
before; ahead; previously · pardon me for leaving (before you)
flunky; cat's-paw; tool
very bleak outlook; dim prospects
Polite form of 先 (さき, 'ahead'/'future') with the honorific prefix お. The interjection sense is a shortening of お先に失礼します.