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
免じる
めんじる (menjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しつれいします and 免じる.
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, 免じる (めんじる (menjiru)) maps to "to excuse, to exempt, to remit, to forgive" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A somewhat formal verb. Often used in contexts of excusing someone from a duty, forgiving a fault, or remitting a punishment/fine. 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 "免じる"
今回は特別に失敗を免じてあげよう。
I will make an exception and forgive your mistake this time.
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.". "免じる" represents "to excuse, to exempt, to remit, to forgive".