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失礼
shitsurei
rudeness
彼の失礼な態度に腹が立った。
I got angry at his rude attitude.
formal
lack of proper etiquette or manners; rudeness
そんな失礼な言い方はしないでください。
Please don’t speak to me in such a rude way.
Used to describe behavior that violates social norms or shows disrespect, especially in formal or polite contexts.
formal
excuse me; pardon me (used when leaving or interrupting)
失礼します。
Excuse me (for leaving).
A polite phrase used when departing from a conversation or entering someone’s space.
formal
to be rude; to act improperly
彼は人前で失礼なことを言ってしまった。
He said something rude in front of others.
Used as a suru-verb (失礼する) to describe the act of being rude.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Polite vs. Rude Contexts
失礼 is almost always used in formal or polite contexts. In casual settings, it can sound overly harsh or sarcastic. For example, saying '失礼な人だね' to a friend might sound mocking rather than genuinely rude.
Gold Rule
When to Use 失礼します
Use 失礼します when leaving a conversation, entering someone’s home, or interrupting someone politely. It is a standard phrase in Japanese etiquette and is expected in formal or semi-formal settings.
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 失禮 (ʂit̚ lˠeiʴ, 'to lose propriety'). The kanji 失 means 'to lose' and 礼 means 'propriety' or 'etiquette'. The word entered Japanese via Classical Chinese and has been used in Japanese since the Heian period (794–1185).
Usage Notes
失礼 is a formal term often used in polite or professional settings. It can refer to both the act of being rude and the polite phrase used when leaving or interrupting. In casual conversation, it may also be used humorously or ironically among friends.
Word Breakdown
失
to lose
root礼
propriety, etiquette
root和英辞典