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synonym Comparative
しつれいします
VS
申し訳ない

Differences Between "しつれいします" and "申し訳ない"

Option A
しつれいします
Meaning
Excuse me; Sorry to bother you; Goodbye (when leaving someone's office/home)
Reading
しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu)
Syllabus Level
N5
Practical Example
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me, I'm leaving first.
Option B
申し訳ない
Meaning
I'm sorry, I apologize (very polite)
Reading
もうしわけない (moushiwakenai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
ご迷惑をおかけして大変申し訳ありません。
I am terribly sorry for causing you inconvenience.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(Excuse me; Sorry to bother you; Goodbye (when leaving someone's office/home))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- しつれいします: 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.
- 申し訳ない: A very formal and strong expression of apology or regret, indicating that there is no excuse for one's actions. More formal and often used in serious situations than すみません.
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