失礼

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. お先に失礼します。▶ —
   Excuse me, I'll leave first.
2. 失礼ですが、お名前は?▶ —
   Excuse me, your name?

Collocations

Mnemonic

失礼 shitsurei — kanji "lose (失) + propriety (礼)" = "to lose propriety" → rude / excuse me. The literal is negative but functions as a ritual conversation tool. Layered use: (1) お先に失礼します ("I rudely leave first") for clocking out before colleagues, (2) 失礼ですが ("excuse me, but") opens questions or requests, (3) 失礼な人 evaluates genuine rudeness. Korean shillye / shilleyejiman maps directly. In Japanese office drinking culture, お先に失礼します is the mandatory phrase when leaving before the boss — a centerpiece of social ritual vocabulary.

Quick check

1. Standard phrase when leaving the office before colleagues/boss?

   • お先に失礼します — "I leave first"
   • おやすみなさい — "goodnight"
   • ありがとうございました — "thank you"
   • バイバイ — "bye"