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お忙しいところ申し訳ございませんが

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

very formal, polite, humble

How it works

This phrase is a set expression used to apologize for inconveniencing someone who is busy, typically when making a request or delivering information. It functions as a polite preface. 'お忙しいところ' (o-isogashii tokoro) literally means 'at a busy time/place' (where 'ところ' acts as a nominalizer for a situation), and '申し訳ございませんが' (mōshiwake gozaimasen ga) means 'I am very sorry, but...'. The 'が' (ga) acts as a conjunctive particle, implying that a request or further statement will follow.

Sample sentences

お忙しいところ申し訳ございませんが、いくつか質問がございます。

I apologize for disturbing you while you're busy, but I have a few questions.

お忙しいところ申し訳ございませんが、本日の会議についてご確認いただけますでしょうか。

I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could you please confirm today's meeting?

お忙しいところ申し訳ございませんが、ご意見を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。

I apologize for interrupting you during your busy time, but may I ask for your opinion?

Quick facts

politeness:Highly polite and humble. The 'お' prefix for politeness, 'ございます' for extreme politeness, and '申し訳ない' for apology are all used.

usage_context:Used in business communication, formal requests, or when interrupting someone. It softens the subsequent request or statement.

Often used with

Mnemonic

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Example

お忙しいところ申し訳ございませんが、いくつか質問がございます。

I apologize for disturbing you while you're busy, but I have a few questions.

お忙しいところ申し訳ございませんが、本日の会議についてご確認いただけますでしょうか。

I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could you please confirm today's meeting?