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失礼します

A2 verb #1,200 가장 일반적인 16분 분량

失礼します

shitsureishimasu 상위 1,200

When you first start learning Japanese, 'shitsurei shimasu' is one of the most essential phrases you will encounter. At the A1 level, you should think of this phrase simply as 'Excuse me' or 'Pardon me.' It is a polite way to show respect when you are doing something that might bother someone else. The most important time to use this phrase is when you are entering a room. For example, if you need to go into your teacher's office, you should knock on the door, wait for them to say 'douzo' (please come in), and then say 'shitsurei shimasu' as you open the door. It tells the teacher, 'Excuse me for interrupting you.' You also use it when you leave the room. As you close the door to leave, you say it again to mean 'Excuse me for leaving.' Another very common time to use this phrase is when you are hanging up the telephone. In English, we say 'Goodbye,' but in formal Japanese, it is better to say 'shitsurei shimasu' before you put the phone down. It is a polite way to end the conversation. You should also learn the past tense: 'shitsurei shimashita.' You use this when you have already done something wrong. For example, if you accidentally step on someone's foot, or if you dial the wrong phone number, you say 'shitsurei shimashita' to mean 'I am sorry for what I just did.' At this beginner level, do not worry too much about the complex grammar. Just memorize it as a set phrase for entering rooms, leaving rooms, hanging up the phone, and apologizing for small mistakes. It is a very safe and polite phrase to use with teachers, older people, and people you do not know well. Do not use it with your close friends, as it sounds too stiff and formal. With friends, just say 'gomen' (sorry). Practice saying it clearly and with a slight bow of your head to show good manners.

At the A2 level, your understanding of 'shitsurei shimasu' expands beyond just entering rooms and hanging up the phone. You begin to use it as a tool to navigate daily social interactions more smoothly. One of the most important new patterns you will learn is using it to ask a question or interrupt someone politely. By adding the particle 'ga' (but) to the end, you create the phrase 'shitsurei shimasu ga...' or 'shitsurei desu ga...' This means 'Excuse me, but...' or 'I know this is rude, but...' You use this before asking a personal question, like someone's name or age, or before interrupting a conversation. For example, 'Shitsurei desu ga, o-namae wa nan desu ka?' (Excuse me, but what is your name?). This softens the question and makes it much more polite. You will also learn the crucial workplace phrase 'osakini shitsurei shimasu.' This literally means 'Excuse me for leaving before you.' In Japan, leaving work or a group activity before others can be seen as slightly impolite. By saying this phrase, you acknowledge that you are leaving early and apologize for it. The standard reply to this is 'otsukaresama desu' (thank you for your hard work). Furthermore, you will start to notice how shop staff and waiters use this phrase. When a waiter brings your food or takes away your empty plate, they will often say 'shitsurei shimasu' to excuse their intrusion into your personal space. You do not need to say it back to them, but understanding why they say it helps you grasp Japanese customer service culture. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'sumimasen.' Use 'sumimasen' to call out to someone or for light apologies, and reserve 'shitsurei shimasu' for entering/leaving, ending calls, and formal interruptions. Practicing these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and socially aware.

At the B1 level, 'shitsurei shimasu' becomes an active part of your intermediate communication toolkit, particularly in business and formal environments. You are now expected to understand the nuances of when to use this phrase versus other apologies, and how to integrate it into more complex sentence structures. In a business setting, this phrase is non-negotiable. When you approach a colleague's or boss's desk to ask a question, you must announce your presence with 'shitsurei shimasu' before speaking. It acts as a verbal knock. You will also use it when handing over documents ('Shitsurei shimasu, kochira ga shiryō desu' - Excuse me, here are the documents). At this stage, you should be comfortable with the humble form, 'shitsurei itashimasu.' This is crucial when speaking to clients, customers, or higher-ranking superiors. 'Itashimasu' is the humble form of 'shimasu,' and using it shows that you are lowering your own status to elevate the listener. For example, when ending a phone call with a client, 'shitsurei itashimasu' is the standard expectation. You will also encounter the continuous form, 'shitsurei shite orimasu,' which means 'I am currently intruding.' This is often used in formal emails or letters, or when visiting another company's office. Another B1 concept is using the phrase to politely decline an offer or excuse yourself from a situation. If you need to leave a party or a meeting early, you can say 'Kono hen de shitsurei shimasu' (I will excuse myself around here/at this point). This is a graceful way to exit without causing offense. You must also refine your understanding of the past tense, 'shitsurei shimashita.' At B1, you know that this is used for minor blunders, but for serious mistakes at work, you must upgrade to 'moushiwake arimasen.' 'Shitsurei shimashita' is too light for a major error. Mastering these contextual shifts and formality levels is the hallmark of a B1 learner navigating Japanese society.

At the B2 level, your use of 'shitsurei shimasu' should be highly automatic and deeply integrated into your understanding of Japanese pragmatics and Keigo (honorific language). You are no longer just translating 'excuse me'; you are using the phrase to actively manage social distance and maintain harmony (wa) in complex situations. You understand that 'shitsurei' (losing manners) is a concept that applies to any action that disrupts the equilibrium of a space or a relationship. In advanced business scenarios, you will use variations like 'goshitsurei' (adding the honorific prefix). For example, 'Goshitsurei desu ga...' is an even more refined way to ask a probing question. You are also adept at using the phrase in written communication. In business emails, it is common to close with 'Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Shitsurei itashimasu,' combining a request for future goodwill with a polite exit. You understand the subtle timing required. For instance, when entering a room, the exact moment you say the phrase in relation to opening the door and bowing is crucial for a polished impression. You also know how to use it to manage awkward situations. If someone asks you a question you cannot answer, or if you must disagree with a superior, prefacing your statement with 'Shitsurei nagara...' (While it is rude of me...) allows you to express a dissenting opinion while maintaining absolute respect. This is a vital skill for participating in Japanese corporate culture. Furthermore, you can distinguish between the emotional weight of different apologies. You know that 'shitsurei shimashita' acknowledges a breach of etiquette, 'sumimasen' expresses light regret or gratitude, and 'moushiwake gozaimasen' is a profound admission of fault. You can seamlessly switch between these depending on the severity of the situation and your relationship with the interlocutor. At B2, 'shitsurei shimasu' is a tool for sophisticated social navigation.

At the C1 level, your comprehension of 'shitsurei shimasu' delves into sociolinguistics and the cultural psychology of Japan. You understand that the phrase is a manifestation of 'kikubari' (attentiveness to others) and 'kuuki wo yomu' (reading the atmosphere). It is not merely a rule to be followed, but a reflection of a society that prioritizes the collective over the individual. You recognize how the concept of 'shitsurei' governs boundaries—physical, temporal, and hierarchical. When a Japanese person says 'shitsurei shimasu' before hanging up the phone, you understand that they are formally closing the communicative space that was temporarily opened. You are capable of analyzing the power dynamics at play when the phrase is used or omitted. For example, a high-ranking boss might omit the phrase when entering a subordinate's space, while the subordinate must always use it. You can navigate these unspoken rules effortlessly. You are also familiar with idiomatic and less common usages. For instance, the phrase 'shitsurei na hito' describes a rude person, showing how the noun form is used to judge character. You can use complex structures like 'Shitsurei ni ataru kamo shiremasen ga...' (This might border on being rude, but...), which is an extremely cautious way to broach a sensitive topic. In literature and formal speeches, you can comprehend the historical weight of the kanji (失礼) and how the concept of 'rei' (propriety/ritual) stems from Confucian philosophy. You understand that committing a 'shitsurei' is essentially a failure to uphold the social rituals that keep society functioning smoothly. At this level, your pronunciation, intonation, and accompanying body language (the depth and timing of the bow) when saying the phrase are indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You use it not because you have to, but because you naturally feel the social requirement to acknowledge your impact on the shared environment.

At the C2 level, 'shitsurei shimasu' is understood not just as vocabulary, but as a fundamental linguistic artifact of Japanese social architecture. You possess a native-like intuition for its deployment, able to manipulate its nuances to achieve highly specific communicative goals in the most demanding environments, such as high-stakes negotiations, diplomatic settings, or traditional arts (like the tea ceremony). You understand the etymological depth of 'rei' (礼) and its connection to the cosmic order in classical East Asian thought; thus, 'shitsurei' is a disruption of that order. You can engage in meta-linguistic discussions about the phrase, analyzing how its usage has evolved across generations and how it differs between regions or corporate cultures. You are acutely aware of the 'silent' shitsurei—the micro-expressions and subtle shifts in posture that accompany the phrase, which convey sincerity or mere obligation. You can employ hyper-formal variations, such as 'Burei wo tsukamatsurimasu' (I commit a rudeness), used in historical contexts or extremely rigid traditional settings. You understand the precise pragmatic difference between 'shitsurei itashimasu' and 'shitsurei tsukamatsurimasu' and when the latter might be deployed for rhetorical effect. In written Japanese, you can craft highly sophisticated apologies or requests that dance around the concept of 'shitsurei' without necessarily using the exact phrase, relying instead on advanced Keigo structures that imply the same level of humility and boundary-recognition. You recognize when the phrase is being used sarcastically or passively-aggressively, a rare but possible occurrence when someone strictly adheres to the form of politeness while violating its spirit. At C2, you do not just speak the language; you embody the cultural ethos that necessitates the constant, rhythmic exchange of 'shitsurei shimasu' to maintain the delicate fabric of Japanese interpersonal relations.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

失礼します 30초 만에

Used when entering or leaving a room.
Used to politely end a telephone call.
Used to apologize for a minor interruption.
Means 'I am doing something rude'.

The Japanese phrase 'shitsurei shimasu' is one of the most fundamental and versatile expressions in the Japanese language, deeply rooted in the cultural concepts of politeness, respect, and social harmony. Literally translating to 'I do a rude thing' or 'I am committing a rudeness,' this phrase is utilized in a myriad of daily situations to acknowledge that one's actions might be imposing on another person's time, space, or peace. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this expression is crucial for anyone aiming to achieve fluency in Japanese and to navigate Japanese society with cultural competence. When you break down the kanji characters, 'shitsu' (失) means 'to lose' or 'to make a mistake,' and 'rei' (礼) translates to 'bow,' 'etiquette,' 'courtesy,' or 'manners.' Therefore, the combination of these two characters creates a word that literally means 'losing manners' or 'being impolite.' By stating 'shitsurei shimasu' before or after an action, the speaker is preemptively or retrospectively apologizing for this perceived breach of etiquette.

Sentence 失礼します.

This reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on humility and the constant awareness of one's impact on others. One of the most common scenarios where you will hear and use this phrase is when entering or leaving a room, particularly in formal or business settings. For instance, before entering a manager's office, it is customary to knock three times, wait for a response, and then say the phrase as you open the door.

Entering a Room: Always knock, wait for 'douzo' (please come in), and then announce your entry with this phrase to show respect for the occupant's space.

This serves as a polite announcement of your presence and an apology for interrupting whatever the person inside was doing. Similarly, when leaving the room, you would say it again, bowing slightly as you close the door behind you.

Entering the office: 失礼します.

This framing of entry and exit with apologies for the intrusion is a hallmark of Japanese professional etiquette. Another frequent use case is when ending a telephone conversation. In English, we might say 'goodbye' or 'talk to you later,' but in formal Japanese, it is standard to close a call with this expression. It translates functionally to 'excuse me for hanging up' or 'pardon me for ending this interaction.' It is often preceded by other polite phrases, such as 'sore dewa' (well then), creating a smooth and respectful conclusion to the dialogue.

Ending a Call: Wait for the senior person to hang up first after you both exchange this closing remark.

Furthermore, the phrase is employed when physically passing in front of someone, reaching across them, or interrupting a conversation. If you need to navigate through a crowded room and must step between two people who are talking, a quiet utterance acknowledges the disruption you are causing.

Passing by: 失礼します.

In a restaurant, a waiter might say it when placing a dish on your table or removing an empty plate, apologizing for the momentary intrusion into your personal space. The versatility extends to its various grammatical forms, which adjust the level of politeness and the timing of the apology. The past tense, 'shitsurei shimashita,' is used to apologize for something that has already occurred.

Past Tense Usage: Use the past tense when the rude action is completed, such as after stepping on someone's foot or realizing a mistake.

For example, if you accidentally bump into someone, or if you realize you have made a minor error in a report, the past tense is the appropriate response. It acknowledges the past mistake and expresses regret.

Hanging up: 失礼します.

In even more formal situations, such as speaking to a high-ranking superior or a very important client, you might use the extra-modest form 'shitsurei itashimasu.' This elevates the level of respect shown to the listener and further humbles the speaker. Understanding when to use these different forms is a key aspect of mastering 'keigo,' the Japanese system of honorific speech.

Leaving work early: Osakini 失礼します.

Beyond its practical applications, this phrase offers a window into the Japanese mindset. It underscores a society where individuals are acutely aware of their social environment and strive to minimize friction. The constant verbalization of apologies for minor inconveniences might seem excessive to those from more individualistic cultures, but in Japan, it is the social glue that maintains harmony and mutual respect. It is not necessarily an admission of deep guilt, but rather a social lubricant that acknowledges the presence and comfort of others. Therefore, mastering this phrase is not just about learning vocabulary; it is about adopting a specific cultural perspective that values group harmony over individual convenience.

Integrating 'shitsurei shimasu' into your daily Japanese sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and the specific contexts that dictate its various forms. While it is often used as a standalone phrase, it frequently combines with other words to create nuanced expressions of politeness and apology. The most basic form is the present/future tense, which is used when you are about to do something that might be considered an intrusion.

Before asking a question: 失礼しますが、お名前は何ですか。

For instance, when you are about to enter a room, you say it right as you open the door. When you are about to hang up the phone, you say it right before disconnecting. However, the phrase becomes even more powerful when used as a conjunction. By adding the particle 'ga' (but), you create the phrase 'shitsurei shimasu ga' or 'shitsurei desu ga,' which translates to 'Excuse me, but...' or 'I know this is rude, but...'

Using GA for Interruption: Attaching 'ga' softens a direct question or a request, making it much more polite and culturally acceptable.

This is an essential pattern for asking personal questions, interrupting someone, or making a request that might be burdensome. For example, if you need to ask someone's name or age in a formal setting, you would preface it with 'Shitsurei desu ga, o-namae wa?' (Excuse me, but what is your name?).

Interrupting a meeting: 失礼します、資料をお持ちしました。

This preemptive apology softens the directness of the question, which is highly valued in Japanese communication. Another critical sentence pattern involves leaving a location before others. In the workplace, leaving before your colleagues or boss is traditionally seen as slightly impolite, as it implies you are abandoning the collective effort. To mitigate this, the phrase 'o-saki ni shitsurei shimasu' is used. 'O-saki ni' means 'before you' or 'ahead of you.' Therefore, the full phrase means 'Excuse me for leaving before you.' This is an absolute must-know phrase for anyone working in a Japanese office environment.

Leaving Work: Say this loudly enough for your immediate team to hear when you pack up your bag at the end of the day.

When the action has already been completed, the past tense 'shitsurei shimashita' is required. If you accidentally dial the wrong number, upon realizing your mistake, you would say 'Aa, shitsurei shimashita' (Ah, I apologize/excuse me). If you bumped into someone on the train, a quick 'shitsurei shimashita' is appropriate.

Wrong number: あ、失礼しました。

Furthermore, the phrase can be modified to express continuous action or a state of being. 'Shitsurei shite orimasu' is a highly formal, humble way of saying 'I am currently being rude' or 'I am currently intruding.' You might hear this from a salesperson who is visiting your home or office, acknowledging that their ongoing presence is an imposition.

Continuous Form: Using 'te orimasu' elevates the humility significantly, suitable for customer service or addressing VIPs.

For learners, mastering the transition between the present, past, and humble forms of this phrase is a significant step toward natural-sounding Japanese. It requires not just memorizing the grammar, but also developing a sense for the social dynamics of the situation.

Humble form: お先に失礼いたします。

You must constantly assess your relationship with the listener, the setting (formal vs. informal), and the nature of the action you are taking. By practicing these sentence patterns, you will find that 'shitsurei shimasu' becomes an indispensable tool in your Japanese communication arsenal, allowing you to navigate complex social interactions with grace and respect.

Asking a favor: 失礼しますが、ペンを貸していただけますか。

Remember that the goal is not to feel guilty for existing, but to actively participate in the cultural ritual of mutual consideration that defines Japanese society.

The phrase 'shitsurei shimasu' is ubiquitous in Japan, echoing through the halls of corporate offices, the aisles of supermarkets, and the digital connections of phone calls. To truly grasp its utility, one must explore the specific environments where it is most frequently deployed. The most prominent arena for this phrase is undoubtedly the Japanese workplace. Business etiquette in Japan is highly codified, and this expression serves as a cornerstone of professional interaction.

Entering a meeting room: 失礼します。

When an employee approaches a superior's desk to ask a question, they will almost always begin with 'shitsurei shimasu' to apologize for breaking the manager's concentration.

Approaching a Desk: Never just start talking. Always announce your presence and intent to interrupt with this phrase first.

During meetings, if someone needs to step out to take an urgent call or use the restroom, a quiet bow and this phrase are required to excuse oneself without causing a disruption. Furthermore, the ritual of leaving the office at the end of the day, as mentioned previously, is incomplete without the chorus of 'o-saki ni shitsurei shimasu' from the departing employee and the responding 'otsukaresama desu' from those remaining.

Leaving the office: お先に失礼します。

Beyond the office walls, customer service interactions are heavily peppered with this expression. In restaurants, cafes, and retail stores, staff members use it constantly to navigate around customers and to perform their duties without seeming intrusive. When a waiter brings water to your table, they might murmur it. When they reach across you to clear a plate, they will say it again. If a shop assistant needs to squeeze past you in a narrow aisle, they will use it to ask for space.

Retail Environments: Staff use it to apologize for existing in your space while they work. It is a sign of high-level hospitality (omotenashi).

In these contexts, the phrase is often delivered quickly and softly, functioning more as a polite reflex than a deep apology.

Waiter serving food: 失礼します、ご注文の品です。

Another critical domain is telecommunications. Whether it is a business call or a formal personal call, the protocol for hanging up dictates the use of this phrase. It is considered abrupt and rude to simply say 'bye' and cut the line. Instead, both parties will typically exchange 'shitsurei shimasu' (or the more formal 'shitsurei itashimasu'), and the junior person or the person who initiated the call will wait for the other to hang up first.

Phone Etiquette: The exchange of this phrase at the end of a call is like a verbal handshake, confirming the interaction has concluded respectfully.

You will also hear it in medical settings. When a doctor or nurse is about to examine you, give an injection, or perform any procedure that invades your personal space, they will say it to warn you and apologize for the discomfort.

Doctor before an exam: 失礼します、少し触りますよ。

Even in private homes, if you are a guest, you would say 'ojama shimasu' (excuse me for intruding) when entering, but you might use 'shitsurei shimasu' when entering a specific private room, like a study or a bedroom, if invited in. The sheer frequency of this phrase in daily life highlights its importance. It is the auditory background of Japanese society, a constant rhythm of polite acknowledgment that keeps social interactions smooth and respectful. By paying attention to where and how native speakers use it, learners can quickly adapt to the rhythm of Japanese etiquette.

Student entering staff room: 失礼します、田中先生はいらっしゃいますか。

It is a phrase that bridges the gap between intention and action, ensuring that every movement and interaction is cushioned with respect.

While 'shitsurei shimasu' is incredibly useful, its wide range of applications makes it susceptible to misuse by Japanese learners. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you sound more natural and avoid unintended social faux pas. One of the most frequent mistakes is overusing the phrase in casual situations. Because learners are often taught formal Japanese first, they might use this phrase with close friends, family members, or romantic partners.

Incorrect with friends: 失礼します (Too formal!)

In these intimate contexts, using such a formal apology creates an unnatural distance and can make the other person feel alienated or assume you are angry with them. With friends, you would simply say 'gomen' (sorry) or 'chotto gomen' (sorry for a sec) when interrupting or passing by.

Formality Mismatch: Using highly formal business language with close friends sounds cold and robotic. Match your language to your relationship.

Another common error is confusing it with 'sumimasen' (excuse me/I'm sorry). While both can be translated as 'excuse me,' their usage overlaps but is not identical. 'Sumimasen' is generally used to call out to someone (like a waiter), to apologize for a minor mistake, or to express light gratitude.

Calling a waiter: すみません (Not 失礼します)

You would not shout 'shitsurei shimasu' across a restaurant to get a waiter's attention; that would sound bizarre. Conversely, you would not say 'sumimasen' when formally ending a business phone call; that would sound unprofessional. Learners also struggle with the tense of the phrase. Using the present tense 'shitsurei shimasu' when the action is already completed is a grammatical and pragmatic error. If you step on someone's foot and say 'shitsurei shimasu,' it sounds like you are announcing your intention to step on their foot again!

Tense Errors: Always use 'shimashita' (past tense) for accidents or interruptions that have already happened.

You must use the past tense, 'shitsurei shimashita,' to acknowledge the mistake that just occurred.

After a mistake: 失礼しました。

Furthermore, there is a specific mistake related to entering someone's home. When you visit a Japanese house, the correct phrase to say at the genkan (entryway) is 'ojama shimasu' (excuse me for disturbing you). Using 'shitsurei shimasu' at the front door of a private residence sounds overly stiff and slightly incorrect, as 'ojama shimasu' is the dedicated set phrase for this exact situation. Finally, learners sometimes forget to use the humble form 'itashimasu' in highly formal business settings. If you are speaking to a client or a company president, simply saying 'shitsurei shimasu' might not convey enough respect.

Under-politeness: In B2B interactions, failing to upgrade to 'itashimasu' can make you seem inexperienced or slightly disrespectful.

Upgrading to 'shitsurei itashimasu' shows that you understand the hierarchy and are properly humbling yourself.

To a VIP client: 失礼いたします。

By being mindful of these distinctions—formality levels, the difference from 'sumimasen,' correct tense usage, specific home-entry phrases, and humble forms—you can avoid these common traps and use the phrase with the precision of a native speaker.

Correcting yourself: あ、失礼しました、間違えました。

Mastery comes from observation and practice in context.

The landscape of Japanese apologies and polite interruptions is rich and nuanced, offering several alternatives to 'shitsurei shimasu' depending on the exact context, the severity of the intrusion, and the relationship between the speakers. Understanding these alternatives is key to expressing yourself accurately. The most common alternative, as discussed, is 'sumimasen.'

Alternative 1: すみません

While 'shitsurei shimasu' is formal and focuses on the act of intrusion, 'sumimasen' is slightly less formal and serves as a multi-purpose tool for light apologies, getting attention, and expressing gratitude.

Sumimasen vs Shitsurei shimasu: Use 'sumimasen' to call a waiter or apologize for bumping someone on the street. Use 'shitsurei shimasu' to enter a boss's office or hang up the phone.

If you bump into someone on the train, either phrase works, but 'sumimasen' is more common in public, anonymous interactions. Another crucial alternative is 'gomen nasai.' This is a direct apology, translating to 'I am sorry.'

Alternative 2: ごめんなさい

Unlike 'shitsurei shimasu,' which can be preemptive (before entering a room), 'gomen nasai' is almost exclusively used after a mistake or offense has occurred. Furthermore, 'gomen nasai' implies a closer relationship and is rarely used in formal business settings. In the workplace, if you make a significant error, 'shitsurei shimashita' is not strong enough. You must use 'moushiwake arimasen' or 'moushiwake gozaimasen,' which translate to 'I have no excuse' and represent a deep, formal apology.

Moushiwake arimasen: This is the heavy artillery of Japanese apologies. Use it for actual business mistakes, not just for walking into a room.

For entering a private home, the specific alternative is 'ojama shimasu.'

Alternative 3: お邪魔します

'Jama' means hindrance or obstacle, so the phrase literally means 'I am going to be a hindrance.' This is the standard greeting when stepping into someone's genkan (entryway). While 'shitsurei shimasu' could technically be understood, 'ojama shimasu' is the culturally expected set phrase. When asking a question, instead of 'shitsurei desu ga...' (Excuse me, but...), you can use 'osore irimasu ga...' (I am terrified/humbled, but...).

Alternative 4: 恐れ入りますが

This is an extremely polite business expression used to cushion a request or a question, often used by customer service staff toward customers. It elevates the customer and humbles the speaker more than 'shitsurei' does.

Osore irimasu: Highly recommended for advanced learners working in Japanese customer service or high-level B2B sales.

Finally, for simply getting past someone in a tight space, a very casual alternative is 'chotto gomen' or just 'gomen' among friends, or a soft 'sumimasen' among strangers.

Alternative 5: ちょっとごめん

Choosing the right alternative depends entirely on reading the room—assessing the formality, the relationship, and the nature of the action. While 'shitsurei shimasu' is a fantastic baseline for formal and semi-formal situations, expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives will give your Japanese a much more natural, native-like texture and ensure you are always striking the perfect chord of politeness.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"本日はこれで失礼いたします。"

중립

"失礼します。入ってもいいですか。"

비격식체

"ちょっとごめん。通して。"

Child friendly

"しつれいします、って言ってから入るんだよ。"

속어

"あいつマジ失礼。"

재미있는 사실

In the Edo period, samurai could legally execute a commoner who committed a severe 'shitsurei' against them, a right known as 'kiri-sute gomen' (permission to cut and abandon). Today, the stakes are much lower, but the linguistic ghost of taking 'manners' very seriously remains in the constant use of 'shitsurei shimasu'.

발음 가이드

UK /ɕi.tsɯ.ɾeː ɕi.ma.sɯ/

US /ʃi.tsu.ɾeɪ ʃi.mɑ.su/

shi-TSU-rei shi-MA-su

라임이 맞는 단어

きれいします (kirei shimasu) めいれいします (meirei shimasu) けいれいします (keirei shimasu) ていめいします (teimei shimasu) めいめいします (meimei shimasu) えいせいします (eisei shimasu) けいせいします (keisei shimasu) せいせいします (seisei shimasu)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su' (saying 'shisurei').
Pronouncing the 'r' in 'rei' as a hard English 'r' instead of a tapped flap.
Over-pronouncing the final 'u' in 'shimasu' (making it sound like 'shimasoo' instead of 'shimas').
Putting too much stress on the first syllable.
Not elongating the 'e' sound in 'rei' (it should be two moras long: re-e).

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji 失 (lose) and 礼 (manners) are N4/N3 level, relatively easy to recognize.

쓰기 4/5

Writing the kanji correctly requires some practice, especially the right side of 礼.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, though the tapped 'r' in 'rei' takes practice.

듣기 1/5

It is spoken so frequently that learners will recognize it almost immediately.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

すみません (sumimasen) ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) お願いします (onegaishimasu) どうぞ (douzo) こんにちは (konnichiwa)

다음에 배울 것

お先に失礼します (osakini shitsurei shimasu) お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) お邪魔します (ojama shimasu) 恐れ入ります (osore irimasu)

고급

無礼 (burei) 非礼 (hirei) 慇懃無礼 (ingin burei) 礼儀作法 (reigi sahou) 謙譲語 (kenjougo)

알아야 할 문법

Te-form + もいいですか (Asking permission)

入ってもいいですか。(May I enter?) -> Often preceded by 失礼します。

Particle が for contrast/softening

失礼ですが... (Excuse me, but...)

Kenjougo (Humble Language)

失礼いたします。(I humbly excuse myself.)

Past Tense for completed actions

失礼しました。(I apologize for what just happened.)

Na-Adjectives

失礼な人 (A rude person)

수준별 예문

部屋に入るとき、「失礼します」と言います。

When entering a room, say 'Excuse me'.

Used as a set phrase before an action.

先生、失礼します。

Excuse me, Professor.

Vocative use to get attention formally.

電話を切るとき、「失礼します」と言います。

When hanging up the phone, say 'Excuse me'.

Standard phone closing.

あ、失礼しました。

Ah, excuse me / I'm sorry (for what I just did).

Past tense for completed actions.

お先に失礼します。

Excuse me for leaving before you.

Set phrase for leaving work.

失礼します。入ってもいいですか。

Excuse me. May I come in?

Combining the phrase with a request.

失礼します。ケーキです。

Excuse me. Here is the cake.

Used when serving or handing something over.

ここで失礼します。

I will excuse myself here.

Used when leaving a group.

失礼ですが、お名前は何ですか。

Excuse me, but what is your name?

Adding 'ga' (but) to soften a question.

失礼します、ちょっと通してください。

Excuse me, please let me pass for a moment.

Used before making a request.

昨日は失礼しました。

I apologize for yesterday.

Using past tense to refer to a previous day's event.

失礼ですが、何歳ですか。

Excuse me, but how old are you?

Softening personal questions.

会議中、失礼します。

Excuse me during the meeting.

Interrupting an ongoing event.

お先に失礼してもいいですか。

May I excuse myself (leave) early?

Asking permission to leave.

失礼します。お茶をお持ちしました。

Excuse me. I brought tea.

Announcing an action that intrudes.

間違えました。失礼しました。

I made a mistake. Excuse me.

Apologizing immediately after a mistake.

失礼いたします。株式会社の田中と申します。

Excuse me. I am Tanaka from the corporation.

Using the humble form 'itashimasu' for self-introduction.

お忙しいところ失礼します。

Excuse me for interrupting when you are busy.

A common set phrase acknowledging the other person's situation.

それでは、これで失礼いたします。

Well then, I will excuse myself with this.

Formal closing of an interaction.

大変失礼いたしました。すぐに確認します。

I am very sorry. I will check immediately.

Adding 'taihen' (very) for a stronger apology.

失礼ですが、その意見には賛成できません。

Excuse me, but I cannot agree with that opinion.

Softening a disagreement.

夜分遅くに失礼します。

Excuse me for contacting you late at night.

Apologizing for the timing of the contact.

先日は大変失礼いたしました。

I am very sorry for the other day.

Formal apology for a past event.

失礼のないように気をつけてください。

Please be careful not to be rude.

Using 'shitsurei' as a noun meaning 'rudeness'.

ご挨拶が遅れまして、大変失礼いたしました。

I deeply apologize for the delay in my greeting.

Combining with a specific reason for the apology.

御社にご訪問させていただき、失礼いたします。

Excuse me for visiting your esteemed company.

Highly formal Keigo usage.

失礼ながら、申し上げます。

While it is rude of me, I will speak.

Using 'nagara' to mean 'although it is...'

このような時間にお電話して、誠に失礼いたしました。

I sincerely apologize for calling at such a time.

Using 'makoto ni' for a sincere apology.

お客様に対して失礼な態度をとってはいけません。

You must not take a rude attitude toward customers.

Using 'shitsurei na' as a na-adjective.

長々と失礼いたしました。

Excuse me for taking up so much time (speaking at length).

Apologizing for the duration of an intrusion.

お食事中、大変失礼いたします。

I am very sorry to interrupt during your meal.

Specific situational apology.

失礼を承知で伺いますが...

I ask this knowing it is rude, but...

Advanced phrase acknowledging the rudeness beforehand.

彼の発言は、主催者に対して極めて失礼にあたる。

His remarks border on being extremely rude to the organizer.

Using 'ni ataru' (corresponds to/borders on).

失礼の段、平にご容赦ください。

Please humbly forgive my rudeness.

Classical/highly formal written expression.

ご無沙汰しておりますこと、幾重にも失礼をお詫び申し上げます。

I apologize deeply and repeatedly for my long silence.

Advanced epistolary (letter-writing) Keigo.

失礼極まりない態度に、彼は激怒した。

He was infuriated by the extremely rude attitude.

Using 'kiwamarinai' (knows no bounds/extremely).

お耳汚しで失礼いたしました。

Excuse me for polluting your ears (with my poor performance/speech).

A highly humble, idiomatic apology.

突然の訪問で失礼を顧みず、お願いに参りました。

Disregarding the rudeness of a sudden visit, I have come to make a request.

Using 'kaerimizu' (without regard for).

それは少々失礼な物言いではないでしょうか。

Isn't that a somewhat rude way of speaking?

Using 'mono-ii' (way of speaking) to critique behavior.

失礼を省みず申し上げるなら、その計画は無謀です。

If I may speak without regard for rudeness, that plan is reckless.

A strong rhetorical device to deliver harsh truth.

非礼を詫びるどころか、さらに失礼を重ねるとは言語道断である。

Far from apologizing for the impoliteness, compounding the rudeness is outrageous.

Complex sentence structure expressing moral outrage.

茶道の席において、そのような振る舞いは万死に値する失礼である。

In the setting of a tea ceremony, such behavior is a rudeness worthy of ten thousand deaths.

Hyperbolic, traditional expression of severe breach of protocol.

失礼仕る。

I commit a rudeness. (Archaic/Hyper-formal)

Using the archaic humble verb 'tsukamatsuru'.

彼の言動の端々に、他者への無意識の失礼が透けて見える。

In every detail of his words and actions, an unconscious rudeness toward others shows through.

Nuanced critique of subtle behavior.

かかる失礼の段、伏してお詫び申し上げる次第でございます。

Regarding such rudeness, it is the case that I prostrate myself and apologize.

Ultimate level of formal business Japanese (Keigo).

失礼千万な要求に対し、毅然とした態度で撥ね付けた。

I firmly rejected the outrageously rude demand.

Using the idiom 'shitsurei-senban' (infinitely rude).

礼を失する（失礼）とは、単なる作法の問題ではなく、他者の存在への敬意の欠如である。

To lose manners (shitsurei) is not merely a matter of etiquette, but a lack of respect for the existence of others.

Deconstructing the kanji for philosophical analysis.

ご歓談の折、誠に失礼とは存じますが、お耳に入れたい儀がございます。

While I know it is truly rude during your pleasant chat, there is a matter I wish to bring to your attention.

Highly sophisticated interruption protocol.

자주 쓰는 조합

お先に失礼します

失礼しますが

大変失礼しました

失礼にあたる

夜分遅くに失礼します

お忙しいところ失礼します

失礼のないように

長々と失礼しました

失礼極まりない

失礼を承知で

자주 쓰는 구문

お先に失礼します

失礼します

失礼しました

失礼ですが

お忙しいところ失礼します

夜分遅くに失礼します

失礼いたします

大変失礼いたしました

失礼な人

失礼極まりない

자주 혼동되는 단어

失礼します vs すみません (Sumimasen)

Sumimasen is for getting attention or light apologies. Shitsurei shimasu is for entering/leaving spaces and formal interruptions.

失礼します vs ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai)

Gomen nasai is a direct apology for a fault, used with close people. Shitsurei shimasu is an etiquette-based apology for formal situations.

失礼します vs お邪魔します (Ojama shimasu)

Ojama shimasu is strictly used when entering someone's private home. Shitsurei shimasu is used for rooms within a building or offices.

관용어 및 표현

"礼を失する"

To lack manners; to be rude. The verb form of the concept.

公の場で礼を失する振る舞いは避けるべきだ。

Formal/Written

"無礼講"

Putting aside manners/status for a party. A drinking party where rank is ignored.

今日は無礼講だから、楽しく飲もう！

Neutral/Business Social

"非礼を詫びる"

To apologize for one's impoliteness.

先日の非礼を深くお詫び申し上げます。

Highly Formal

"失礼千万"

Outrageously rude; infinitely impolite.

あんな態度をとるなんて、失礼千万だ。

Formal/Angry

"礼に始まり礼に終わる"

Beginning with a bow and ending with a bow. The core philosophy of martial arts and Japanese etiquette.

武道は礼に始まり礼に終わる。

Proverb

"慇懃無礼"

Polite on the surface but actually rude/arrogant; overly polite to the point of sarcasm.

彼の態度は慇懃無礼で鼻につく。

Formal/Literary

"失礼を顧みず"

Without regard for the rudeness; risking being rude.

失礼を顧みず、直言させていただきます。

Formal

"お耳汚し"

Polluting your ears. A humble way to describe one's own speech or music.

お耳汚しで失礼いたしました。

Humble/Traditional

"足元を見る"

To take advantage of someone's weak position (not directly 'shitsurei', but related to bad business manners).

足元を見られて高い値段を吹っかけられた。

Idiom

"空気を読む"

To read the room/atmosphere. Failing to do this often results in doing something 'shitsurei'.

空気を読んで、ここでは黙っていた方がいい。

Common Idiom

혼동하기 쉬운

失礼します vs すみません

Both translate to 'Excuse me'.

'Sumimasen' is used to call a waiter or apologize for bumping someone on the street. 'Shitsurei shimasu' is used to enter a boss's office or hang up the phone. 'Sumimasen' is more versatile for minor things; 'Shitsurei' is strictly for etiquette boundaries.

すみません、水をください。(Excuse me, water please.) vs 失礼します。(Entering an office.)

失礼します vs さようなら

Both can mean 'Goodbye'.

'Sayounara' is used at school or when you won't see someone for a long time. It is rarely used in business. 'Shitsurei shimasu' is the standard professional way to say goodbye on the phone or when leaving a meeting.

先生、さようなら。(Goodbye, teacher.) vs お電話失礼します。(Goodbye on the phone.)

失礼します vs お邪魔します

Both are used when entering a space.

'Ojama shimasu' is specifically for entering the front door of someone's private residence. 'Shitsurei shimasu' is for entering a room in an office, school, or hospital.

（家に入るとき）お邪魔します。(Excuse me for intruding.)

失礼します vs 申し訳ありません

Both are formal apologies.

'Shitsurei shimashita' is for minor etiquette breaches (interrupting, wrong number). 'Moushiwake arimasen' is for actual mistakes that caused harm or significant inconvenience (losing a document, being very late).

遅刻して申し訳ありません。(I am deeply sorry for being late.)

失礼します vs ごめんなさい

Both mean 'I'm sorry'.

'Gomen nasai' is emotional and used with family/friends. It sounds childish in a business setting. 'Shitsurei shimasu' is professional and detached.

お母さん、ごめんなさい。(Mom, I'm sorry.)

문장 패턴

[Action], 失礼します。

じゃあ、失礼します。(Well then, excuse me/goodbye.)

失礼ですが、[Question]か。

失礼ですが、おいくつですか。(Excuse me, but how old are you?)

お先に失礼します。

今日はこれで、お先に失礼します。(I will excuse myself early today.)

[Reason]で、失礼しました。

遅れて、失礼しました。(I apologize for being late.)

お忙しいところ失礼します。

お忙しいところ失礼します、部長。(Excuse me for interrupting your busy time, Manager.)

失礼いたします。

お電話代わりました、失礼いたします。(I have taken over the call, excuse me.)

失礼にあたる

そのような服装は失礼にあたる。(Such clothing borders on being rude.)

失礼ながら[Opinion]

失礼ながら、その案には反対です。(With all due respect, I oppose that plan.)

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Extremely High. One of the top 50 most spoken phrases in daily Japanese life.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'shitsurei shimasu' to call a waiter in a restaurant. → すみません (Sumimasen)
'Shitsurei shimasu' is not used to call out for attention from a distance. It is used for close-quarters intrusion. Use 'Sumimasen' to get a waiter's attention.
Saying 'shitsurei shimasu' after accidentally stepping on someone's foot. → 失礼しました (Shitsurei shimashita)
If the rude action has already occurred, you must use the past tense. Using the present tense sounds like you are announcing your intention to step on their foot.
Saying 'sayounara' to a boss at the end of a phone call. → 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu)
'Sayounara' is rarely used in business and sounds like a permanent or school-child goodbye. Professional phone calls always end with 'shitsurei shimasu'.
Using 'shitsurei shimasu' when entering a friend's house. → お邪魔します (Ojama shimasu)
The specific set phrase for entering the front door of a private residence is 'ojama shimasu' (excuse me for intruding). 'Shitsurei' is used for offices or interior rooms.
Saying 'shitsurei shimasu' to a close friend when passing by them. → ごめん (Gomen) or ちょっとごめん (Chotto gomen)
'Shitsurei shimasu' is highly formal. Using it with a close friend creates unnatural distance and sounds robotic. Match the formality to the relationship.

팁

Add 'ga' for questions

Always attach the particle 'ga' (but) when using it before a question. 'Shitsurei shimasu ga...' translates perfectly to 'Excuse me, but...'

Drop the final 'u'

In natural speech, the 'u' in 'shimasu' is devoiced. Say 'shi-mas', not 'shi-ma-soo'. This makes you sound much more fluent.

The Telephone Rule

Never say 'sayounara' to a boss or client on the phone. Always end the call with 'shitsurei shimasu' or 'shitsurei itashimasu'.

Leaving Work

Memorize 'Osakini shitsurei shimasu'. It is the single most important phrase for leaving a Japanese office at the end of the day.

Not for Homes

Remember to switch to 'Ojama shimasu' when stepping into the entryway of someone's private house. 'Shitsurei' is for offices and rooms.

Past vs Present

Present tense = I am about to intrude (entering a room). Past tense = I just intruded/made a mistake (bumping someone).

The 15-Degree Bow

Pair the phrase with an 'eshaku' (a light 15-degree bow). The words and the physical action go together perfectly.

Noun Form

You can use 'shitsurei' as a noun or adjective. 'Sore wa shitsurei desu' means 'That is rude.'

Upgrade to Itashimasu

If you work in B2B sales or high-level customer service, train yourself to automatically use 'shitsurei itashimasu' instead of 'shimasu'.

Listen to Waiters

Next time you are in a Japanese restaurant, listen to the staff. You will hear them murmur 'shitsurei shimasu' every time they reach across your table.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine you are carrying a tray of RAYs of sunshine, but you trip and LOSE them. You LOSE the RAYs (Shitsu-rei). You must apologize: 'I lost the rays, excuse me!'

시각적 연상

Picture a person in a business suit bowing deeply as they open a door, with the kanji 失 (lose) and 礼 (bow) floating above their head. They are 'losing a bow' to the room.

Word Web

失礼します (Excuse me) --> 入る (Enter room) --> 出る (Leave room) --> 切る (Hang up phone) --> お先に (Leave work early) --> 失礼ですが (Excuse me, but...) --> 失礼しました (I'm sorry for my mistake) --> マナー (Manners)

챌린지

Next time you walk through a doorway at home or work, whisper 'shitsurei shimasu' to yourself. Do this for one whole day to build the physical habit of associating the phrase with crossing boundaries.

어원

The word 'shitsurei' (失礼) is composed of two kanji of Chinese origin (Sino-Japanese vocabulary or 'kango'). 'Shitsu' (失) means 'to lose,' 'to drop,' or 'to fail.' 'Rei' (礼) refers to the Confucian concept of propriety, etiquette, manners, and ritual. Therefore, the literal meaning is 'to lose propriety' or 'to fail in manners.'

원래 의미: To commit an act that violates the established social rituals and etiquette.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

문화적 맥락

Do not use 'shitsurei shimasu' sarcastically. In Japanese culture, weaponizing polite language (in-gin burei) is considered extremely passive-aggressive and deeply offensive.

English speakers often use 'Excuse me' to get someone's attention (like a waiter), but in Japanese, 'shitsurei shimasu' is too formal for this. English speakers also say 'Goodbye' on the phone, whereas Japanese use this apology phrase.

Countless Japanese workplace dramas (e.g., 'Hanzawa Naoki') feature characters aggressively or humbly saying 'shitsurei shimasu' as they navigate corporate politics. Anime school settings where students enter the staff room (shokuin-shitsu) always feature this phrase. Customer service training videos in Japan dedicate entire segments to the exact angle of the bow when saying this phrase.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Entering a Room

失礼します (Excuse me)
どうぞ (Please come in)
入ってもいいですか (May I enter?)
お邪魔します (Excuse me for intruding - for homes)

Leaving Work

お先に失礼します (Excuse me for leaving early)
お疲れ様でした (Thank you for your hard work)
また明日 (See you tomorrow)
気をつけて (Take care)

On the Phone

失礼します (Excuse me / Goodbye)
お電話ありがとうございます (Thank you for calling)
少々お待ちください (Please wait a moment)
それでは (Well then)

Asking a Question

失礼ですが (Excuse me, but...)
お名前は？ (What is your name?)
おいくつですか？ (How old are you?)
教えていただけますか (Could you tell me?)

Apologizing for a Mistake

失礼しました (I'm sorry for what I did)
間違えました (I made a mistake)
申し訳ありません (I am deeply sorry)
気をつけます (I will be careful)

대화 시작하기

"失礼ですが、この席は空いていますか。(Excuse me, but is this seat open?)"

"お忙しいところ失礼します。少し質問してもいいですか。(Excuse me for interrupting when you're busy. Can I ask a quick question?)"

"失礼ですが、以前どこかでお会いしましたか。(Excuse me, but have we met somewhere before?)"

"夜分遅くに失礼します。明日の会議についてですが... (Excuse me for the late hour. Regarding tomorrow's meeting...)"

"失礼します。こちらにパンフレットを置いてもよろしいでしょうか。(Excuse me. May I place these pamphlets here?)"

일기 주제

Describe a time you had to use 'shitsurei shimasu' today. Who were you talking to and why?

Write a short dialogue between an employee leaving work early and their boss, using 'osakini shitsurei shimasu'.

Explain the difference between 'sumimasen' and 'shitsurei shimasu' in your own words, giving examples of each.

Imagine you accidentally called the wrong number in Japan. Write out what you would say to apologize and hang up.

Reflect on the Japanese cultural concept of 'apologizing for existing in a space.' How does it differ from your own culture?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it sounds extremely unnatural and distant. With friends, you should use casual language like 'gomen' (sorry) or 'chotto gomen' (sorry for a sec). Using formal business language with friends creates an awkward wall between you.

No. When you enter a shop, the staff will say 'Irasshaimase' (Welcome). You do not need to say 'shitsurei shimasu' because you are a customer, not an intruder. You only say it if you are entering a 'Staff Only' area.

The standard and expected reply is 'Otsukaresama desu' (Thank you for your hard work). This acknowledges their departure and praises their effort for the day. Never say 'sayounara' in this situation.

Hanging up a phone is seen as abruptly cutting off a connection and a shared space. Saying 'shitsurei shimasu' apologizes for this abruptness and formally closes the interaction with respect. It is the professional equivalent of 'Goodbye'.

'Shitsurei shimasu' is standard polite (Teineigo). 'Shitsurei itashimasu' is humble (Kenjougo). Use 'itashimasu' when speaking to clients, customers, or very high-ranking bosses to show extra respect. For everyday office use with colleagues, 'shimasu' is fine.

Yes, almost always. When entering a room, you bow slightly (eshaku, 15 degrees) as you say it. On the phone, many Japanese people even bow unconsciously while saying it, though the other person cannot see them!

No. To call a waiter, you shout 'Sumimasen!' or 'Onegaishimasu!'. Shouting 'Shitsurei shimasu!' across a restaurant would sound very strange, as it is meant for personal space intrusions, not calling out.

It means 'a rude person.' Here, 'shitsurei' is used as a na-adjective. If someone ignores manners or insults someone, they are described as 'shitsurei na' (rude).

Use the past tense: 'Shitsurei shimashita.' The action of bumping into them has already happened, so you are apologizing for a completed action. Using the present tense sounds like you plan to bump into them again!

Start the sentence with 'Shitsurei desu ga...' (Excuse me, but...). For example, 'Shitsurei desu ga, o-namae wa?' (Excuse me, but what is your name?). This softens the impact of the direct question.