失礼(しつれい)します

One of the most essential polite expressions in Japanese. Used in multiple situations:

• When entering someone's office or room
• When leaving before others (お先(さき)に失礼(しつれい)します)
• When ending a phone call or meeting
• When interrupting someone
• As a polite goodbye

The past tense form 失礼(しつれい)しました is used when apologizing for something already done ("I'm sorry for the rudeness").

Common expressions

• お先(さき)に失礼(しつれい)します: excuse me for leaving first (workplace farewell)
• 失礼(しつれい)しました: I'm sorry (for what I just did)
• 失礼(しつれい)いたします: excuse me (more humble/formal)
• それでは失礼(しつれい)します: well then, I'll take my leave

Similar words

• すみません: excuse me, sorry — more general and casual; used for apologies and getting attention
• 恐(おそ)れ入(い)ります: I'm very sorry to trouble you — more humble and deferential
• ごめんください: excuse me (when visiting someone's home) — used when entering someone else's space