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How to say 'Excuse' or 'Rude' in Japanese | 失礼

Wondering how to say 'Excuse' or 'Rude' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Excuse or Rude is 'Shitsurei', written as 失礼 in Japanese.'Excuse' or 'Rude' in hiragana is しつれい.

    word

    失礼

    Meaning

    Excuse, Rude

    Reading

    しつれい

    shitsurei

    Kanji

    Lose, Fault Bow, Salute

    Explanation

    The Japanese verbal noun '失礼 (しつれい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'rude', referring to behavior that is impolite or disrespectful. For example: That was rude「それは失礼でした」(それはしつれいでした). The second meaning is 'excuse', often used as a polite way to apologize or take leave. For example: Excuse me, I must leave now「失礼します、もう行かなければなりません」(しつれいします、もういかなければなりません). The word is commonly used in formal and casual settings to express politeness or acknowledge a social misstep.

    Part Of Speech

    verbal noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N3

    Kanji Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1819

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 失礼

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Lose, Fault

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Bow, Salute

Words Related to 失礼 Through the Kanji

These 7 Words contain the Kanji 失 as well.

  • word

    失う

    Meaning

    Lose

  • word

    失業

    Meaning

    Unemployment

  • word

    失敗

    Meaning

    Failure

  • word

    失望

    Meaning

    Disappointment

  • word

    失恋

    Meaning

    Heartbreak

  • word

    損失

    Meaning

    Loss

  • word

    喪失

    Meaning

    Loss

Words Related to 失礼 Through the Kanji

These 4 Words contain the Kanji 礼 as well.

  • word

    お礼

    Meaning

    Thanks

  • word

    Meaning

    Thanks

  • word

    儀礼

    Meaning

    Etiquette

  • word

    礼儀

    Meaning

    Manners

Learn the Word 失礼

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Shitsurei' (失礼) mean?

'Shitsurei' means 'Excuse' or 'Rude' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.