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長らく失礼いたしました。

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

formal

How it works

This is a polite, fixed expression used to apologize for a long period of silence, absence, or delay in communication or action. 長らく (naga-raku, for a long time) modifies 失礼いたしました (shitsurei itashimashita), which is the humble form of 失礼しました (shitsurei shimashita, I was rude/forgive my rudeness/I apologize). It implies that the speaker acknowledges their delay or lack of contact was a form of rudeness or neglect and is offering an apology.

Sample sentences

長らく失礼いたしました。お元気でいらっしゃいましたか？

I apologize for the long silence. Have you been well?

ご返信が遅くなり、長らく失礼いたしました。

I apologize for the long delay in my reply.

本日は、長らく失礼いたしました弊社のプロジェクトについてご説明いたします。

Today, I will explain about our project, for which we have been out of touch for a long time.

Quick facts

nuance:Often used when resuming contact after a long period, or when a long delay has occurred in a process. It doesn't necessarily imply a grave error, but rather an acknowledgment of a prolonged state of impoliteness or neglect (e.g., not contacting someone, delaying a task).

origin:Combines 長らく (for a long time) with 失礼いたしました (I committed rudeness/I apologize humbly).

politeness:Highly polite and humble (謙譲語 - kenjōgo) due to 'いたしました' (itashimashita), making it suitable for business, formal apologies, or addressing superiors.

Often used with

Mnemonic

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Example

長らく失礼いたしました。お元気でいらっしゃいましたか？

I apologize for the long silence. Have you been well?

ご返信が遅くなり、長らく失礼いたしました。

I apologize for the long delay in my reply.