Formal to Superior
Workplace · Socializing
そろそろ失礼いたします。今日は楽しい時間をありがとうございました。 — I'll be excusing myself soon. Thank you for such an enjoyable time today. (Workplace · Socializing, Formal to Superior, JLPT N3)
You
そろそろ失礼いたします。今日は楽しい時間をありがとうございました。
そろそろしつれいいたします。きょうはたのしいじかんをありがとうございました。
I'll be excusing myself soon. Thank you for such an enjoyable time today.
Romaji: Sorosoro shitsurei itashimasu. Kyou wa tanoshii jikan wo arigatou gozaimashita. / Reply Romaji: Otsukaresama. Ki wo tsukete kaette kudasai.
Reply
お疲れ様。気をつけて帰ってください。
おつかれさま。きをつけてかえってください。
Good work today. Please take care on the way home.
Gesture & etiquette
Find the most senior person present and bow to them first, then excuse yourself to others. Do not simply leave without announcing your departure — in Japanese social settings, an unannounced exit is considered impolite.
Leaving a work social event (飲み会) before senior colleagues requires both advance signaling (「そろそろ」= soon / gradually) and explicit thanks for the event. Combining these two elements shows awareness of hierarchy and genuine appreciation for the shared time.