Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Excuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "excuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しつれいします
しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お先に
おさきに (osaki ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しつれいします and お先に.
In Japanese, しつれいします (しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu)) is typically associated with "Excuse me; Sorry to bother you; Goodbye (when leaving someone's office/home)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Literally 'I'm committing a rudeness.' Used when entering/leaving a room, interrupting someone, or asking to pass by. It's a polite apology for a potential inconvenience..
On the other hand, お先に (おさきに (osaki ni)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "excuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しつれいします"
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me, I'm leaving first.
Bilingual Context for "お先に"
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving first.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お先に失礼します。" (Meaning: "Excuse me, I'm leaving first.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しつれいします" fits here because it means "Excuse me; Sorry to bother you; Goodbye (when leaving someone's office/home)" in the context of: "Excuse me, I'm leaving first.". "お先に" represents "Excuse me for going/leaving first; After you".