Formal to Superior
Workplace · Greeting
本日は用がありまして、お先に失礼いたします。 — I have a prior engagement today, so please excuse me for leaving first. (Workplace · Greeting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N3)
You
本日は用がありまして、お先に失礼いたします。
ほんじつはようがありまして、おさきにしつれいいたします。
I have a prior engagement today, so please excuse me for leaving first.
Romaji: Honjitsu wa you ga arimashite, osaki ni shitsurei itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Otsukaresama deshita. Ki wo tsukete.
Reply
お疲れ様でした。気をつけて。
おつかれさまでした。きをつけて。
Good work today. Take care.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow at 30 degrees to your direct superior before leaving. If in an open office, also briefly acknowledge nearby colleagues with a nod or small bow as you pass.
Leaving before senior colleagues in Japan requires explicit acknowledgment and apology. 「お先に失礼いたします」is the essential phrase — it shows awareness of group hierarchy and requests permission to break from the collective rhythm of the workplace.
#leaving early#workplace etiquette#saki ni shitsurei#business greeting#hierarchy