1.
to take one's leave, to excuse oneself, to say goodbye
A polite way of saying that one is leaving, typically when departing from someone's home or a gathering. A humble expression used when the speaker is the one leaving.
そろそろお暇します。
I should be going now.
遅くなったので、お暇させていただきます。
It's gotten late, so I'll take my leave.
楽しい時間をありがとうございました。そろそろお暇しなければなりません。
Thank you for such an enjoyable time. I'm afraid I must be going now.
POLITENESS: This is a polite, somewhat formal expression. It shows consideration for the host by framing one's departure as taking leave rather than simply leaving.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- そろそろお暇します: I should be going (the most common usage)
- お暇させていただきます: Allow me to take my leave (more formal)
- お暇しなければ: I must be going
ETYMOLOGY: 暇 means free time or leave. With the polite prefix お and する, it becomes a humble expression meaning to take one's leave.
USAGE: Used when visiting someone's home, attending a party, or leaving a social gathering. Less commonly used in business settings, where 失礼します is more standard.