Formal to Superior
Workplace · Meeting
おっしゃっている途中で大変恐れ入りますが、一点確認させていただけますでしょうか。 — I'm very sorry to interrupt, but could I confirm one point? (Workplace · Meeting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N2)
You
おっしゃっている途中で大変恐れ入りますが、一点確認させていただけますでしょうか。
おっしゃっているとちゅうでたいへんおそれいりますが、いってんかくにんさせていただけますでしょうか。
I'm very sorry to interrupt, but could I confirm one point?
Romaji: Osshatte iru tochuu de taihen osore irimasu ga, itten kakunin sasete itadakemasu deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Hai, douzo.
Reply
はい、どうぞ。
はい、どうぞ。
Yes, please go ahead.
Gesture & etiquette
Raise your hand very slightly or make brief eye contact before speaking. Never interrupt mid-sentence without this signal. Lean forward slightly to show urgency while keeping a respectful, apologetic expression. Wait for clear acknowledgment before continuing.
「恐れ入りますが」is the essential softener for interrupting a superior — it apologizes for the social transgression before it happens. Interrupting without this phrase risks appearing rude. After getting permission, keep your question brief and return the floor immediately: 「ありがとうございます。先ほどの件ですが...」