ごめんください、お邪魔します。 — Excuse me, may I come in? (Cultural · Greeting, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N5)

Gesture & etiquette

At the genkan entrance, slight bow (15°) when saying it. Wait for response before stepping inside. Remove shoes carefully, place them pointing toward the door. Carry any small gift in both hands. Slipper exchange happens at the genkan step.

Universal greeting when arriving at someone's home. 'ごめんください' calls into the house when no one is at the door — wait for response before entering. 'お邪魔します' (literally 'I'm interrupting') is said upon stepping into the genkan. When leaving, say 'お邪魔しました' (past tense, completed disturbance). Remove shoes pointing inward, then turn them to face the door.