1.
rude, impolite, discourteous
Describes behavior or words that lack proper manners or respect.
そんなことを言うのは失礼です。
It's rude to say such things.
Predicate usage
失礼な態度を取らないでください。
Please don't take a rude attitude.
Modifier usage
失礼なことを言ってすみません。
I'm sorry for saying something rude.
失礼な人だね。
What a rude person.
失礼にあたる。
It would be considered rude.
2.
excuse me (set phrase)
Used as a polite phrase when interrupting, leaving, or apologizing for minor inconveniences.
失礼します。
Excuse me. (when entering/leaving)
Set expression for entering/leaving
失礼しました。
I'm sorry. / Excuse me. (apologizing)
Apologizing for rudeness
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
When leaving work/a gathering before others
失礼ですが、お名前は？
Excuse me, but what is your name?
ちょっと失礼。
Excuse me for a moment.
失礼 is a na-adjective meaning 'rude' and also functions as a noun/set expression.
Forms:
- Adverbial: 失礼に (rarely used)
- Modifier: 失礼な + noun
Conjugation:
- Negative: 失礼ではない / 失礼じゃない
- Te-form: 失礼で
- Past: 失礼だった
Key expressions:
- 失礼します: Used when entering someone's space, leaving a room, or before doing something that might inconvenience others
- 失礼しました: Apologizing for past rudeness
- お先に失礼します: Said when leaving work before colleagues
- 失礼ですが...: "Excuse me, but..." (before asking a potentially sensitive question)
[Register: Formal/Polite]