N4 · Phrase guide
Shitsurei Shimasu — Entering and Leaving Right
失礼します
しつれいします
Excuse me for leaving / entering (formal)
Nuance
Said when entering a room, leaving early, hanging up after a call, or passing in front of someone.
Cultural note
Leaving the office: お先に失礼します (I leave before you—sorry). A core office phrase.
Examples
お先に失礼します。
I'm leaving before you—excuse me.
Leaving work while others stay
失礼します。
Excuse me.
Entering a meeting room
Common mistakes
- Leaving without any phrase
- Using さようなら when leaving the office
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