Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
お待たせいたしました。 — Sorry to have kept you waiting. (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N5)
You
お待たせいたしました。
おまたせいたしました。
Sorry to have kept you waiting.
Romaji: Omatase itashimashita. / Reply Romaji: Ie, daijoubu desu.
Reply
いえ、大丈夫です。
いえ、だいじょうぶです。
No, it's fine.
Gesture & etiquette
Light bow (10°) when returning to the customer. Pleasant tone, even if you've been rushing. At a counter, place items being delivered with both hands.
Universal 'sorry to have kept you waiting' phrase — used on phone after hold, in shops returning to a customer, at reception, at restaurants when bringing food. Pairs with '少々お待ちください' (please wait briefly) said before the wait. Always say it upon return, even if the wait was only 10-20 seconds. Standard Japanese service hospitality rhythm.
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