Formal to Superior
Workplace · Greeting
失礼します。 — Excuse me (may I enter). (Workplace · Greeting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N5)
You
失礼します。
しつれいします。
Excuse me (may I enter).
Romaji: Shitsurei shimasu. / Reply Romaji: Douzo, ohairi kudasai.
Reply
どうぞ、お入りください。
どうぞ、おはいりください。
Please, come in.
Gesture & etiquette
Knock 3 times before opening. Wait for response. Open door slowly, bow (15°) at the doorway while saying the phrase, then enter and close the door quietly with your hand still on the handle. Say 'shitsurei shimasu' again when leaving the room.
失礼します literally means 'I will be rude' — asking permission to disturb. Said when entering and leaving meeting rooms, a manager's office, or any closed-door workspace. Critical knock protocol: 3 knocks = visiting / asking entry; 2 = checking if occupied; 4+ knocks = funeral context, avoid. Always close doors quietly behind you.