Formal to Superior
Workplace · Email
You
誠に恐れ入りますが、期日を少し延ばしていただくことは可能でしょうか。
まことにおそれいりますが、きじつをすこしのばしていただくことはかのうでしょうか。
I am truly sorry to ask, but would it be possible to extend the deadline a little?
Romaji: Makoto ni osoreirimasu ga, kijitsu wo sukoshi nobashite itadaku koto wa kanoudeshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Wakaimashita. Itsu made ni onegai dekimasu ka?
Reply
わかりました。いつまでにお願いできますか？
わかりました。いつまでにおねがいできますか？
I understand. By when can you have it ready?
Gesture & etiquette
Email context — no gesture. Follow up this request immediately with a phone call or in-person apology if the extension significantly impacts the other party. Never request an extension by email alone for critical deadlines.
Requesting an extension in Japanese requires maximum humility — the double opener 「誠に恐れ入りますが」signals serious apology before the ask. Always specify in the next sentence exactly how much extra time you need and your revised delivery date. Vague requests are poorly received.