If you watch Japanese drama, you are likely familiar with the phrase “Ojamashimasu”（お邪魔します）. Literally, it roughly translates to “I’m going to be a bother.” This Japanese phrase is most commonly said when someone enters another person’s home. It’s a greeting that means something close to “Please excuse me for my disturbance. I’m coming in.”
This tradition can be hard for Westerners to understand as there is no English equivalent. If you ever visit a Japanese person’s home though, this phrase is very important. Apart from using it when you enter a person’s home, this formality is also used when you enter someone’s room, a kitchen if someone is cooking inside, or anytime you enter a room where you might disturb the situation.
While Japanese people might cut you some slack if you don’t say anything, especially if they know you are not Japanese, you will be seen as being politer if you use this phrase. And, it never hurts to be well-mannered.
Let’s remember the following useful sentences before going to Japan!
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●Hito no ie hairu mae ni ojamashimasu wo iu no wa Nihon no shuukan desu.
(人の家に入る前に「お邪魔します」を言うのは日本の習慣です。)
> It is Japanese culture to say “Ojamashimasu” before entering someone’s home.
●Ojamashimasu!
(お邪魔します！)
> Excuse me! I’m coming in!
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Now all that’s left is to go out there and try using them in Japan!
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