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
言い訳
いいわけ (iiwake)
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 言い訳.
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, 言い訳 (いいわけ (iiwake)) maps to "excuse, explanation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for giving reasons to avoid responsibility or for a minor mistake. Can have a negative connotation.. 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 "言い訳"
彼はいつも言い訳ばかりしている。
He's always making excuses.
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.". "言い訳" represents "excuse, explanation".