お先に
Meanings
1
Polite adverbial phrase used when one does something before others, such as leaving, eating, or starting. Often used in set expressions like お先にどうぞ (please go ahead).
Please go ahead.
Excuse me for leaving before you.
2
pardon me for leaving (before you)
abbreviationpolite (teineigo)
Abbreviation of お先に失礼します, used as a set phrase when leaving work or a gathering before others. The full phrase is more common in formal settings.
See also: お先に失礼します
Well then, pardon me for leaving before you.
Usage patterns
- お先に〈動詞〉to do something before/ahead of others
I'll head home ahead of everyone else today.
- お先に〈動詞〉、すみませんto apologize while doing something before someone else
Sorry, I'll go ahead and start eating first.