失礼(しつれい)いたします

しつれいいたします
expression
excuse me (very formal)
1. excuse me; pardon me (when entering, leaving, or interrupting)
A very formal version of 失礼します, used when entering or leaving a room, passing in front of someone, or excusing oneself. Common in business settings and when addressing superiors.
失礼(しつれい)いたします。
Excuse me. (said when entering a room)
お先(さき)に失礼(しつれい)いたします。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
お忙(いそが)しいところ失礼(しつれい)いたします。少(すこ)しお時間(じかん)をいただけますでしょうか。
Excuse me for disturbing you when you are busy. Could I have a moment of your time?

The humble (謙譲語(けんじょうご)) form of 失礼(しつれい)します, using いたす (humble form of する). Essential in business Japanese.

COMMON SITUATIONS:

  • Entering a superior's office
  • Leaving the workplace before others: お先(さき)に失礼(しつれい)いたします
  • Interrupting someone: お忙(いそが)しいところ失礼(しつれい)いたします
  • Ending a phone call
  • Passing in front of someone

FORMALITY SCALE:

  • 失礼(しつれい): casual
  • 失礼(しつれい)します: polite (standard)
  • 失礼(しつれい)いたします: very formal/humble (business standard)

NOTE:
In business settings, 失礼(しつれい)いたします is the default. Using 失礼(しつれい)します with a superior or client may sound insufficiently polite.

general
Added 2026.3.20 11:38 · Revised 2026.3.31 12:18
18000/18088_shitsureiitashimasu