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恐れ入りますが (osoreirimasu ga - Excuse me, but...)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

formal, polite

How it works

This phrase is derived from the humble verb 恐れ入る (osoreiru - to be filled with awe, to feel small, to be grateful for a favor) conjugated into its ます (masu) form and followed by the conjunctive particle が (ga - but/although). It functions as a polite preamble to a request, a clarification, or an apology, softening the introduction.

Sample sentences

恐れ入りますが、お手伝いいただけますでしょうか？

Excuse me, but would you be able to help me?

恐れ入りますが、そちらの部署にご連絡いただけますか。

Excuse me, but could you please contact that department?

恐れ入りますが、会議の開始時間が変更になりました。

Excuse me, but the start time of the meeting has changed.

Quick facts

nuance:Implies a slight imposition or a request that might be inconvenient for the listener, thus expressing humility and consideration.

origin:Compound of 恐れ (osore - fear/awe) and 入る (iru - to enter).

politeness:Highly polite and humble, appropriate for business settings or addressing superiors/strangers.

usageContext:Used when making a request, asking for a favor, interrupting someone, or delivering potentially inconvenient news.

Often used with

恐れ入りますが、もう一度お願いします。(Excuse me, but could you please say it one more time.)

恐れ入りますが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。(Excuse me, but may I ask for your name?)

恐れ入りますが、少々お待ちいただけますか。(Excuse me, but could you please wait a moment?)

恐れ入りますが、この件について確認させてください。(Excuse me, but please allow me to confirm this matter.)

Mnemonic

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Example

恐れ入りますが、お手伝いいただけますでしょうか？

Excuse me, but would you be able to help me?

恐れ入りますが、そちらの部署にご連絡いただけますか。

Excuse me, but could you please contact that department?