失礼

shitsurei
nounIntermediate
formal

Rudeness or impoliteness; an act of being disrespectful or inconsiderate.

失礼な言動は避けるべきだ

One should avoid rude behavior.

💡

Often used to describe behavior that violates social norms or etiquette.

formalinformal

An apology or expression of regret for a mistake or inconvenience caused.

失礼しました。

I apologize.

💡

Commonly used as a polite phrase to apologize, especially in formal or professional settings.

Collocations

失礼なrude失礼しますI'm sorry

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

お邪魔しますphrase
Excuse me for intruding
申し訳ありませんphrase
I'm sorry

💡Pro Tip

Apology Context

When used as an apology, '失礼します' is more formal and often used when leaving a place or interrupting someone.

Gold Rule

Politeness

In Japanese culture, acknowledging '失礼' (rudeness) and apologizing for it is crucial in maintaining social harmony.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '失' (to lose) and '礼' (courtesy), literally meaning 'to lose courtesy' or 'to be without courtesy'.

📝Usage Notes

The word can be used both as a noun to describe rudeness and as an interjection to apologize. Context determines the meaning.

Word Breakdown

to lose
root
+
courtesy
root
和英辞典