おじゃまする

おじゃまする
expression
to visit; to intrude (polite)
1. to visit someone's home or office (polite/humble)
A humble expression used when visiting someone's home or entering their space. Literally means 'to cause a disturbance' but functions as a polite way of saying 'to visit' or 'to come in.'
おじゃまします。
Excuse me for intruding. (Said when entering someone's home.)
おじゃましました。
Thank you for having me. (Said when leaving someone's home.)
昨日(きのう)友達(ともだち)(いえ)におじゃました。
I visited my friend's house yesterday.
(いそが)しいところおじゃまして、すみません。
I'm sorry for intruding when you're busy.

おじゃまする is a humble/polite expression for visiting someone's home or space.

SET PHRASES:

  • おじゃまします: said when entering someone's home (greeting)
  • おじゃましました: said when leaving someone's home (farewell)
  • おじゃましてもいいですか: may I come in?

ETYMOLOGY:
邪魔(じゃま) (hindrance, disturbance) + する. The expression humbly frames one's visit as an imposition on the host.

FORMALITY:

  • おじゃまする: standard polite
  • おじゃまいたします: more formal/humble

USAGE NOTE:
おじゃまします is one of the most common phrases said when entering someone's home in Japan. It is expected even among close friends.