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    申し訳ございませんが、ご遠慮ください。

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    very formal, polite, indirect

    How it works

    This phrase combines three elements: 申し訳ございません (mōshiwake gozaimasen), a highly formal apology meaning 'there is no excuse' or 'I am very sorry'; が (ga), a conjunction meaning 'but'; and ご遠慮ください (go-enryo kudasai), a formal request to 'please refrain' or 'please hold back'. It's used to politely refuse, decline, or ask someone not to do something.

    Sample sentences

    申し訳ございませんが、この場所での喫煙はご遠慮ください。

    I am very sorry, but please refrain from smoking in this area.

    定員に達しましたので、申し訳ございませんが、ご遠慮ください。

    We have reached full capacity, so we are very sorry, but we must ask you to decline (entering/participating).

    個人的な質問には、申し訳ございませんが、ご遠慮ください。

    Regarding personal questions, I am very sorry, but please refrain.

    Quick facts

    nuance:Often used as a softening preface when delivering an unfavorable message or making a difficult request. It implies that the speaker regrets having to ask this or deliver this news.
    components:申し訳 (mōshiwake - excuse, apology) + ございません (gozaimasen - formal negative of ある/います) + が (ga - but) + ご遠慮 (go-enryo - refraining, modesty) + ください (kudasai - please do).
    politeness:Extremely high level of politeness, used in formal settings or when conveying an uncomfortable refusal/request. '申し訳ございません' is the most formal way to apologize, and 'ご遠慮ください' is a very polite imperative.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    申し訳ございませんが、この場所での喫煙はご遠慮ください。

    I am very sorry, but please refrain from smoking in this area.

    定員に達しましたので、申し訳ございませんが、ご遠慮ください。

    We have reached full capacity, so we are very sorry, but we must ask you to decline (entering/participating).

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