Polite to Superior
Workplace · Socializing
せっかくのお誘いですが、明日早いので今日はこれで失礼させていただきます。 — Thank you for the invitation, but I have an early start tomorrow, so I'll have to take my leave for tonight. (Workplace · Socializing, Polite to Superior, JLPT N4)
You
せっかくのお誘いですが、明日早いので今日はこれで失礼させていただきます。
せっかくのおさそいですが、あしたはやいのできょうはこれでしつれいさせていただきます。
Thank you for the invitation, but I have an early start tomorrow, so I'll have to take my leave for tonight.
Romaji: Sekkaku no osasoi desu ga, ashita hayai node kyou wa kore de shitsurei sasete itadakimasu. / Reply Romaji: A, sou desu ka. Mata kondo onegai shimasu.
Reply
あ、そうですか。また今度お願いします。
あ、そうですか。またこんどおねがいします。
Oh, I see. Let's do it again another time.
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow (20 degrees) while speaking. Apologetic facial expression — slight downward look, soft smile. Hands lightly clasped in front. After the refusal, a deeper bow (30 degrees) when actually leaving the venue.
Refusing a superior's invitation to the nijikai (after-party) requires extreme softening. 'Sekkaku no osasoi desu ga' (despite your kind invitation) acknowledges their effort before declining. 'Sasete itadakimasu' (humbly receive permission to do) is the most polite refusal form. Never give a direct 'no' — always cite a specific reason (early start, family obligation, health). A flat refusal can damage workplace relationships in Japan.