Polite opener used before asking a personal question, making a request, or saying something potentially impolite. Softens the following statement.
失礼ですが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか。
Excuse me, but may I ask your name?
Used before disagreeing or correcting someone, especially in formal or business settings. Similar to 失礼ながら.
See also: 失礼ながら
失礼ですが、そのご意見には賛成できません。
With all due respect, I cannot agree with that opinion.
恐れ入りますが is a more humble and formal way to preface a request or objection than 失礼ですが, often used toward customers or superiors.
Fixed expression from 失礼 (rudeness, discourtesy) + ですが (polite copula). Literally 'it is rude, but...'.