1.
excuse me, but...; pardon me, but...
A polite phrase used before asking a personal question, making a request, or saying something that might seem rude. It softens what follows.
A standard polite softener used before potentially intrusive or awkward statements. Literally 'it is rude, but...' — the speaker acknowledges that what they are about to say or ask may be impolite, thereby making it more acceptable.
Usage
Typically used in polite or formal situations. Common before personal questions (age, name, marital status), corrections, or when approaching strangers. The が at the end functions as a softening conjunction ('but'), leaving the potentially rude nature of the request implicit.
- Asking someone's name or age
- Approaching a stranger with a question
- Correcting someone politely
- Asking someone to move or make way