JLPT N4 Expression – Use of “失礼いたします” and “失礼いたしました”

Table of Contents

1. Use of “失礼しつれいいたします” and “失礼しつれいいたしました”
2. 失礼しつれいいたします
3. 失礼しつれいいたしました
4. Summary
5. Quiz
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment

Q: Could you explain the difference between “失礼しつれいいたします” and “失礼しつれいいたしました” and how to use them?

A: The term “失礼しつれい” means “lacking in manners” or “rude.”
It is used as a noun and an adjective, such as “失礼しつれいな人ひと” (a rude person).
The phrase is often combined with the humble form of “する”, which is “いたす,” to humbly express one’s own actions.

“失礼しつれいいたします” and “失礼しつれいいたしました” are commonly used expressions in business settings. However, there is a difference between the present tense (いたします) and the past tense (いたしました).

失礼しつれいいたします (JLPT N4)

In modern times, the original meaning of “失礼しつれい” has expanded. While it still implies that the speaker’s actions may lack proper etiquette, it is also used to preemptively apologize for actions they are about to take.

Common situations where this expression is used include entering the room of a superior or leaving work before others.

[Examples]
（Before entering the CEO’s room）
社員しゃいん：社長しゃちょう、ただいまよろしいでしょうか。
社長しゃちょう：どうぞ。
社員しゃいん：（部屋へやに入はいってから）失礼しつれいいたします。
Employee: Excuse me, Mr. President, may I come in?
CEO: Yes, please.
Employee: (After entering the room) Excuse me.

（When leaving work early while others are still working）
すみません、今日きょうはお先さきに失礼しつれいいたします。
Excuse me, I’ll be leaving early today.

In addition, it is used to apologize and provide an explanation when taking a course of action that deviates from what is considered proper etiquette.

[Examples]
お電話でんわにてご連絡れんらくする予定よていでしたが、メールにて失礼しつれいいたします。
I was supposed to contact you by phone, but I’m writing this email instead.
⇒ Since the speaker was supposed to call but switched to email, they’re providing an explanation to the recipient.

すみません、突然とつぜんの訪問ほうもん失礼しつれいいたします。今いま、よろしいでしょうか。
Excuse me for the sudden visit. Is now a good time?
⇒ While it’s proper etiquette to contact someone before visiting, the speaker is apologizing and providing an explanation for the unannounced visit.

However, these expressions are used before taking action. When apologizing after the action, you say “失礼しつれいいたしました.”

[Examples]
（At the end og an E-mail）
お電話でんわにてご連絡れんらくをする予定よていでしたがメールにて失礼しつれいいたしました。
I was supposed to contact you by phone, but I apologize for using email instead.

（When you leave）
今日きょうは突然とつぜんの訪問ほうもん、大変たいへん失礼しつれいいたしました。
I deeply apologize for today’s unexpected visit.

失礼しつれいいたしました (JLPT N4)

“いたしました” indicates the past. This expression is used to apologize for something disrespectful the speaker did to the listener in the past.

[Example]　
A：お名前なまえは山田やまだ様さまでしょうか。
B：いえ、山川やまかわです。
A：失礼しつれいいたしました。
A: Is your name Mr. Yamada?
B: No, it’s Yamakawa.
A: I apologize for the mistake.
⇒ Mr. A mistook Mr. B’s name, which is considered disrespectful, so he is apologizing for it. In Japan, especially in business settings, mistaking someone’s name is seen as highly disrespectful.

Additionally, when emphasizing an apology, words like “大変たいへん” or “誠まことに” are used together.

[Examples]
この度どは大変たいへん失礼しつれいいたしました。
I deeply apologize for this incident.

わたくしどもの間違まちがえでございました。誠まことに失礼しつれいいたしました。
It was our mistake. I sincerely apologize.

Summary

[失礼しつれいいたします]

• The speaker expresses an apology and a disclaimer in advance for an action they are about to take.
• This expression is also used to convey an apology and a disclaimer when the speaker chooses a course of action different from what is considered proper etiquette.

[失礼しつれいいたしました]

• The speaker expresses an apology for a past mistake they made.

Quiz

Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.

Click on the question to check the answer.

---