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.)
お忙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.
Common expressions
- 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
お邪魔 (hindrance, disturbance) + する. The expression humbly frames one's visit as an imposition on the host.
Register
- おじゃまする: standard polite
- おじゃまいたします: more formal/humble
Usage
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 at a close friend's home.