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
口実
こうじつ (kōjitsu)
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 口実.
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, 口実 (こうじつ (kōjitsu)) maps to "an excuse; a pretext" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a reason given to hide the real reason or to avoid doing something. Often implies a fabricated or insincere reason.. 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 "口実"
彼は忙しいのを口実にして、手伝いを断った。
He used being busy as an excuse to refuse to help.
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.". "口実" represents "an excuse; a pretext".