失礼に当たる

• Reading: しつれいにあたる
• Romaji: shitsurei ni ataru
• Kanji breakdown: 失 (shitsu) — lose, miss; 礼 (rei) — courtesy, manners; 当 (tou/a) — hit, apply, correspond
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.ɾe.i.ni.a.ta.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be rude; to constitute rudeness; to be considered impolite.

A verbal phrase meaning something constitutes or amounts to rudeness. Composed of 失礼 (shitsurei, rudeness) + に + 当たる (ataru, to correspond to/amount to). The pattern ～に当たる means 'to constitute' or 'to be equivalent to.' Commonly used to warn about cultural etiquette or social norms — explaining why a particular behaviour is inappropriate. More objective than simply saying 失礼だ (shitsurei da, it is rude), as it frames rudeness as a social assessment.

Examples

1. 目上の人に敬語を使わないのは失礼に当たる。 Not using polite language with someone of higher status is considered rude.
2. その国では左手で物を渡すのは失礼に当たるそうだ。 Apparently, handing something with your left hand is considered rude in that country.
3. 名刺をすぐにしまうのは失礼に当たることがある。 Putting away a business card right away can be considered rude.

Usage Guide

Context: etiquette, cross-cultural communication, business

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

Compound phrase from Sino-Japanese 失礼 (shitsurei, rudeness — from 失, lose + 礼, courtesy) + に当たる (ni ataru, to amount to/constitute). Literally 'to amount to a loss of courtesy.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal