Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Email
私事で恐縮ですが、来月より産前産後休暇に入らせていただきます。引継ぎ事項は別途ご共有いたします。 — I apologize for the personal matter, but I'll begin maternity leave from next month. I'll share the handover items separately. (Workplace · Email, Polite to Colleague, JLPT N3)
You
私事で恐縮ですが、来月より産前産後休暇に入らせていただきます。引継ぎ事項は別途ご共有いたします。
しじできょうしゅくですが、らいげつよりさんぜんさんごきゅうかにはいらせていただきます。ひきつぎじこうはべっとごきょうゆういたします。
I apologize for the personal matter, but I'll begin maternity leave from next month. I'll share the handover items separately.
Romaji: Shiji de kyoushuku desu ga, raigetsu yori sanzen sango kyuuka ni hairasete itadakimasu. Hikitsugi-jikou wa betto gokyouyuu itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Omedetou gozaimasu! Yukkuri yasunde kudasai ne.
Reply
おめでとうございます！ゆっくり休んでくださいね。
おめでとうございます！ゆっくりやすんでくださいね。
Congratulations! Please rest well.
Gesture & etiquette
Address team in person at a morning meeting first, then email confirmation. Bow about 15 degrees on 「恐縮ですが」. Keep tone humble-positive—neither apologetic nor boastful. Hand out detailed handover document at the meeting.
Maternity leave announcement. 「私事で恐縮ですが」 (forgive the personal matter) is the customary humble opener even for joyful news—Japanese workplace culture treats personal life as 'inconvenience' even if welcome. Always offer handover plan immediately. Standard in Japan: 産前6週間 + 産後8週間 maternity, optional childcare leave up to age 1-2.