失礼

• Reading: しつれい
• Romaji: shitsurei
• Kanji breakdown: 失 (shitsu/ushina) — lose, miss; 礼 (rei) — courtesy, etiquette
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.ɾeː/

Meaning

Discourtesy; impoliteness. Also used as a set phrase meaning 'Excuse me' when entering, leaving, or interrupting.

Functions as a noun, na-adjective, and する verb. 失礼します is one of the most essential polite phrases, used when leaving a room, hanging up the phone, or excusing oneself. As a na-adjective, 失礼な describes rude behaviour or remarks.

Examples

1. 失礼ですが、お名前は何ですか。 Excuse me, but what is your name?
2. お先に失礼します。 I'll be heading out now. (Excuse me for leaving before you.)
3. そんな失礼なことを言わないでください。 Please don't say such rude things.

Usage Guide

Context: greetings, business, daily life

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Compound of 失 (lose, miss) and 礼 (courtesy, etiquette). Literally 'losing courtesy,' describing a breach of politeness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal