English–Japanese

“excuse me” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajishitsurei

Example

失礼します。shitsu rei shi ma su

Excuse me.

Illustration for 失礼 (excuse me)

How to say “excuse me” in Japanese

“Excuse me” in Japanese is 失礼 (shitsurei).

Presents an action or situation as stepping outside expected courtesy, which covers both being rude and politely excusing oneself.

Full entry for 失礼: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 失礼

失礼ですが、お名前をもう一度お願いします。shitsu rei de su ga o na mae o mō ichi do o nega i shi ma su

Excuse me, but could you say your name again?

Tips for using 失礼

  • The adjective form 失礼な (shitsurei na) describes a person, manner, or action that lacks courtesy, while the noun appears in polite set phrases.

“excuse me” in other languages