Formal to Client
Workplace · Email
誠に勝手なお願いで恐縮ですが、納期を一週間ほどお延ばしいただけますでしょうか。 — I sincerely apologize for this selfish request, but could the deadline be extended by about one week? (Workplace · Email, Formal to Client, JLPT N2)
You
誠に勝手なお願いで恐縮ですが、納期を一週間ほどお延ばしいただけますでしょうか。
まことにかってなおねがいできょうしゅくですが、のうきをいっしゅうかんほどおのばしいただけますでしょうか。
I sincerely apologize for this selfish request, but could the deadline be extended by about one week?
Romaji: Makoto ni katte na onegai de kyoushuku desu ga, nouki o isshuukan hodo onobashi itadakemasu deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Shouchi itashimashita. Isshuukan no enki de taiou itashimasu.
Reply
承知いたしました。一週間の延期で対応いたします。
しょうちいたしました。いっしゅうかんのえんきでたいおういたします。
Understood. We'll accommodate the one-week extension.
Gesture & etiquette
Email-only typically, but if requested in person, deep bow (45 degrees) when delivering the request. Maintain humble posture throughout. After their response, regardless of outcome, another bow of thanks (30 degrees).
Asking a client to extend a deadline requires maximum deference — you are imposing on their schedule. 'Katte na onegai' (selfish request) takes full responsibility. 'Onobashi' is the honorific form of 'extend.' 'Itadakemasu deshou ka' (would you grant me this?) is more polite than 'itadakemasu ka.' Always offer to absorb the inconvenience and never blame internal issues.