失しつ礼れいします

Meanings

Polite set phrase used when entering or leaving a room, interrupting, or apologizing for a minor intrusion. Often said before hanging up the phone or when leaving work before others.

お先さきに失しつ礼れいします。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
失しつ礼れいします、ちょっと通とおしてください。
Excuse me, please let me through.

See all 66 example sentences ›

Kanji

失lose, error, fault
礼salute, bow, ceremony

Related words

すみませんN4
すみません is a general-purpose apology or attention-getter, while 失礼します is specifically used to excuse oneself when entering, leaving, or briefly interrupting.
ごめんなさいN3
ごめんなさい is a personal, heartfelt apology for a mistake, whereas 失礼します is a fixed, formal phrase for everyday social courtesy like leaving a room.
お邪じゃ魔ましますN2
お邪魔します is said specifically when entering someone else's home or space, while 失礼します is more general and also covers leaving or interrupting.
ごめんくださいN2
失礼します is a versatile phrase for entering, leaving, or interrupting, while ごめんください is specifically used to call out at a doorway or entrance.

Politeness

ではまたplainN5
失礼します is the polite way to say goodbye, such as when leaving work or ending a business call, whereas ではまた is casual and used with friends or peers.
さようならplainN4
失礼します is the polite phrase typically used when leaving a workplace or short meeting, while さようなら implies a more final or long-term farewell.

Don't confuse with

失しつ礼れいしました
失礼します is the non-past form used when entering a room or starting to leave, while 失礼しました is the past form used after the action is finished, such as when hanging up a call.

Etymology

From 失礼 (rudeness, discourtesy) + します (polite form of する). Literally 'I am being rude', used as a set phrase for excusing oneself.