おそれいります
osoreirimasu
Excuse me/Sorry to trouble you
Phrase in 30 Seconds
A versatile, high-level polite phrase used to express gratitude, apology, or to soften a request in formal situations.
- Means: 'I am overwhelmed' or 'I am filled with awe/fear' by your kindness.
- Used in: Business emails, customer service, or when speaking to superiors.
- Don't confuse: With 'Arigato'—this is much more formal and humble.
Explanation at your level:
意思
A polite phrase used when asking a favor or being grateful/apologetic.
文化背景
In Japan, 'Cushion Phrases' (Kushon Kotoba) are essential. They prevent the speaker from appearing too direct or aggressive. '{恐|おそ}れ{入|い}ります' is the king of these phrases. The 'Osore' in the phrase reflects a historical consciousness where social superiors were treated with a level of respect bordering on religious awe. Staff in high-end Japanese stores are trained to use this phrase instead of 'Sumimasen' to create a more 'premium' and respectful atmosphere. Japanese culture values 'lowering' oneself. By saying you are 'fearful/overwhelmed,' you are effectively raising the other person's status.
The 'Ga' Connection
90% of the time you use this to ask for something, add 'ga' at the end. It's the magic word for 'but...'
Don't Overdo It
If you use it every sentence, you'll sound like a robot or a sarcastic person. Save it for the 'big' polite moments.
意思
A polite phrase used when asking a favor or being grateful/apologetic.
The 'Ga' Connection
90% of the time you use this to ask for something, add 'ga' at the end. It's the magic word for 'but...'
Don't Overdo It
If you use it every sentence, you'll sound like a robot or a sarcastic person. Save it for the 'big' polite moments.
Pair with a Bow
A small 15-degree bow while saying this makes you look like a pro.
The 'Fear' is Fake
Remember, you aren't actually scared! It's just a linguistic way of saying 'I respect you a lot.'
自我测试
Fill in the blank to make a polite request at a hotel.
____、お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？
In a formal setting like a hotel, 'Osoreirimasu ga' is the perfect cushion for a request.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When your boss praises your hard work, you say:
Using 'Osoreirimasu' shows you are humble and respect your boss's opinion.
Complete the business phone call.
A: 田中部長はいらっしゃいますか？ B: ____、部長はただいま会議中です。
This softens the refusal of the request to speak with the manager.
Which of these is NOT an appropriate use of '{恐|おそ}れ{入|い}ります'?
Select the incorrect usage:
It's too formal for siblings. 'Arigato' is better.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Formality Scale
常见问题
14 个问题Yes! It's very common in the opening or when making a request in a formal email.
Yes, it's very appropriate, especially if you are asking for a big favor like a recommendation letter.
'Osoreirimasu' is more common in speech; 'Kyoushuku desu' is more common in writing.
No, it's also for 'Excuse me' and 'I'm sorry to bother you.'
Yes, it's gender-neutral.
Yes, 'Osoreirimashita,' but it means 'I was defeated' or 'I am impressed by your skill.'
The meaning is simple, but using it correctly requires understanding Japanese social levels.
'Arigato' is too casual for business or strangers in formal settings.
You can, but 'Sumimasen' is more common there. 'Osoreirimasu' might sound a bit too fancy for a 7-Eleven.
People will still understand you, but try to get the 'iri' part clear.
Yes, usually by butler characters, maids, or professional office workers.
Not at all. It's used every single day in modern Japanese offices.
Ending with 'ga...' and trailing off is a very Japanese way to be polite.
No, 'Gomen' is very casual. Never use 'Gomen' with a boss!
相关表达
{恐縮|きょう|しゅく}です
synonymI am ashamed/grateful
すみません
similarExcuse me / Sorry
{失礼|しつ|れい}します
similarExcuse me (lit. I am being rude)
お{願|ねが}いします
builds onPlease
ありがとうございます
similarThank you
在哪里用
At a Department Store
Customer: {恐|おそ}れ{入|い}りますが、このシャツのMサイズはありますか？
Staff: はい、{少々|しょう|しょう}お{待|ま}ちください。お{調|しら}べいたします。
Receiving a Compliment
Boss: 今日のプレゼン、とても良かったです。
Employee: {恐|おそ}れ{入|い}ります。ありがとうございます。
Answering the Phone at Work
Caller: 田中さんをお願いします。
You: {恐|おそ}れ{入|い}りますが、田中はただいま{外出|がい|しゅつ}しております。
Asking Someone to Move
You: {恐|おそ}れ{入|い}りますが、{少|すこ}しだけよろしいでしょうか？
Stranger: あ、すみません。どうぞ。
Accepting a Gift
Client: これ、つまらないものですが。
You: お{気遣|き|づか}いいただき、{恐|おそ}れ{入|い}ります。
Correcting a Mistake
Staff: お{会計|かい|けい}は5000円です。
You: {恐|おそ}れ{入|い}りますが、このクーポンは使えますか？
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think: 'Oh-Sorry-I-Really-Must' (Osore-iri-masu) thank you or ask you this!
Visual Association
Imagine a tiny person standing before a giant, golden statue. The person isn't scared of being hurt, but they are 'overwhelmed' by how big and beautiful the statue is. That's the feeling of 'Osore'.
Rhyme
When the boss is near, and you want to be clear, use Osoreirimasu to show no fear (but much respect)!
Story
You are at a fancy Japanese hotel. You accidentally drop your silk scarf. A very elegant staff member picks it up and hands it to you with a deep bow. You feel so touched by their perfect service that 'Arigato' feels too small. You say '{恐|おそ}れ{入|い}ります' to show you are truly impressed.
Word Web
挑战
Next time you go to a Japanese restaurant or shop, try saying '{恐|おそ}れ{入|い}ります' instead of 'Sumimasen' when the waiter brings your water. Watch their reaction!
In Other Languages
No quisiera molestar
Japanese is more about social hierarchy.
Je vous en prie
French is more about etiquette, Japanese is more about humility.
Ich bin Ihnen sehr verbunden
German sounds slightly more archaic/formal than the daily business use of Japanese.
أعتذر عن الإزعاج (A'tadhir 'an al-iz'aj)
Arabic is a direct apology; Japanese is a state of 'awe'.
不好意思 (Bù hǎoyìsi)
Osoreirimasu is much higher formality.
송구합니다 (Songguhapnida)
They are functionally nearly identical due to shared cultural roots.
Sinto muito incomodar
Portuguese is only for 'bothering,' not for 'thanking'.
I'm much obliged
English version is nearly obsolete; Japanese is everyday business.
Easily Confused
Both can mean 'Excuse me' or 'Thank you'.
Use 'Sumimasen' for friends, colleagues, and casual shops. Use 'Osoreirimasu' for bosses, clients, and fancy hotels.
Both sound very formal.
Use 'Moushiwake gozaimasen' when you did something wrong. Use 'Osoreirimasu' when you are just being polite or asking a favor.
常见问题 (14)
Yes! It's very common in the opening or when making a request in a formal email.
Yes, it's very appropriate, especially if you are asking for a big favor like a recommendation letter.
'Osoreirimasu' is more common in speech; 'Kyoushuku desu' is more common in writing.
No, it's also for 'Excuse me' and 'I'm sorry to bother you.'
Yes, it's gender-neutral.
Yes, 'Osoreirimashita,' but it means 'I was defeated' or 'I am impressed by your skill.'
The meaning is simple, but using it correctly requires understanding Japanese social levels.
'Arigato' is too casual for business or strangers in formal settings.
You can, but 'Sumimasen' is more common there. 'Osoreirimasu' might sound a bit too fancy for a 7-Eleven.
People will still understand you, but try to get the 'iri' part clear.
Yes, usually by butler characters, maids, or professional office workers.
Not at all. It's used every single day in modern Japanese offices.
Ending with 'ga...' and trailing off is a very Japanese way to be polite.
No, 'Gomen' is very casual. Never use 'Gomen' with a boss!
