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    お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご無沙汰しております。

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    formal

    How it works

    This is a polite introductory phrase. 「お忙しいところ恐縮ですが」 (o-isogashii tokoro kyōshuku desu ga) literally means 'I am sorry to bother you at such a busy time,' serving as a polite apology for intrusion. 「ご無沙汰しております」 (go-busata shite orimasu) means 'it has been a long time since we last communicated,' expressed in humble Japanese using the honorific prefix ご (go-) and the humble verb しております (shite orimasu).

    Sample sentences

    お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご無沙汰しております。先日ご連絡いただいた件でいくつかご質問がございます。

    I apologize for bothering you while you are busy, it has been a long time since we last communicated. I have a few questions regarding the matter you contacted me about the other day.

    お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご無沙汰しております。先日、〇〇様からご紹介いただき、ご連絡いたしました。

    I apologize for bothering you while you are busy, it has been a long time. I am contacting you as I was introduced by Mr./Ms. 〇〇 the other day.

    ご無沙汰しております。お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、来月の打ち合わせについてご相談させていただけますでしょうか。

    It has been a long time. I apologize for bothering you while you are busy, but could I consult with you about next month's meeting?

    Quick facts

    honorifics:Uses honorific prefix 'お' (o-) for '忙しい' (isogashii) and 'ご' (go-) for '無沙汰' (busata), along with the humble form 'しております' (shite orimasu).
    politeness:Highly polite and humble. Used when initiating contact after a long time, especially in professional or formal settings, and acknowledging the recipient's potential busyness.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご無沙汰しております。先日ご連絡いただいた件でいくつかご質問がございます。

    I apologize for bothering you while you are busy, it has been a long time since we last communicated. I have a few questions regarding the matter you contacted me about the other day.

    お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご無沙汰しております。先日、〇〇様からご紹介いただき、ご連絡いたしました。

    I apologize for bothering you while you are busy, it has been a long time. I am contacting you as I was introduced by Mr./Ms. 〇〇 the other day.

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