Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Excuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "excuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
お先に
おさきに (osaki ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お邪魔します
おじゃまします (ojamashimasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お先に and お邪魔します.
In Japanese, お先に (おさきに (osaki ni)) is typically associated with "Excuse me for going/leaving first; After you" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when leaving before others or doing something before others, expressing a slight apology or courtesy. Also used to politely offer someone to go first.
On the other hand, お邪魔します (おじゃまします (ojamashimasu)) maps to "Excuse me for disturbing; (polite phrase used when entering someone's home/office)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A polite, set phrase used when visiting someone's home or office, expressing apology for imposing on their space. 主に家や部屋に入る際に言います。. A literal translation of "excuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "お先に"
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving first.
Bilingual Context for "お邪魔します"
友達の家を訪ねるとき、ドアを開けて「お邪魔します」と言いました。
When visiting a friend's house, I opened the door and said 'Ojamashimasu'.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 失礼します。" (Meaning: "Excuse me for leaving first.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "お先に" fits here because it means "Excuse me for going/leaving first; After you" in the context of: "Excuse me for leaving first.". "お邪魔します" represents "Excuse me for disturbing; (polite phrase used when entering someone's home/office)".