Japanese word

失礼

Pronunciation

Romajishitsurei

Meaning

  • nounexcuse me

Example

失礼します。shitsu rei shi ma su

Excuse me.

Illustration for 失礼 (excuse me)

More examples

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?

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 失礼しますshitsu rei shi ma su

    excuse me

  • 失礼ですがshitsu rei de su ga

    excuse me, but

Similar words

御免gomen: A familiar expression used to apologize or ask permission to pass.

Definition in Japanese

礼儀に反すること。相手へのわびや、会話への割り込み、場所からの退出を表すあいさつにも用いる語。rei gi ni han su ru ko to ai te e no wa bi ya kai wa e no wa ri ko mi ba sho ka ra no tai shutsu o arawa su a i sa tsu ni mo mochi i ru go

Word origin

失礼 (shitsurei) combines 失 (shitsu, "failure") with 礼 (rei, "courtesy"), giving the basic sense of failing to show proper courtesy.

Usage tips

  • 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.

Other meanings

  • rudena-adjective

Word lists with this word