早退をする
leave early
Literally: early (早) retreat (退) [object marker] (を) to do (する)
Use this phrase when leaving work or school early for a specific reason.
In 15 Seconds
- Leaving work or school before the scheduled finishing time.
- Used in formal or structured environments like offices and classrooms.
- Usually requires a reason and a polite apology to colleagues.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you need to leave your workplace or school before the scheduled time, usually due to a specific reason like an appointment or feeling unwell.
Key Examples
3 of 6Feeling sick at the office
少し熱があるので、今日は早退をします。
I have a bit of a fever, so I'm going to leave early today.
Asking a teacher for permission
歯医者の予約があるので、早退してもいいですか？
I have a dentist appointment, so may I leave early?
Formal request to a boss
子供が熱を出したので、早退させていただきます。
My child has a fever, so I will be leaving early.
Cultural Background
In Japanese work culture, 'Sōtai' (early leave) is often viewed with a sense of 'moushiwakenai' (feeling sorry). It is traditional to apologize to colleagues for leaving them with the remaining workload, even if your reason is perfectly valid.
The Magic Exit Phrase
Even if you've already said you're leaving early, always say 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' (Pardon me for leaving first) as you actually walk out the door.
Not for Parties!
Never use 'sōtai' for social events. It makes the host feel like their party is a chore or a job. Use 'sorosoro shitsurei shimasu' instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Leaving work or school before the scheduled finishing time.
- Used in formal or structured environments like offices and classrooms.
- Usually requires a reason and a polite apology to colleagues.
What It Means
Imagine you are at work or school. The clock says 3:00 PM. Your shift usually ends at 5:00 PM. But you need to go. Maybe your head hurts. Maybe your cat needs a vet. 早退をする is the phrase for this. It literally means "doing an early retreat." It is the standard, polite way to say you are leaving before the clock hits the finish line. It sounds much more professional than just saying you are "going home."
How To Use It
You can use this as a noun or a verb. The noun is 早退. To make it an action, add を and する. In daily life, people often drop the を. They just say 早退する. If you are talking to a boss, use 早退をします. If you want to be extra polite, use 早退させていただきます. This means "I will humbly receive the favor of leaving early." It sounds very professional. You usually state your reason first. Then you follow up with the phrase. It is like a polite warning that you won't be around until the end.
When To Use It
Use this in structured environments. This includes your office, your school, or a part-time job. It is perfect for medical appointments. Use it when you feel unwell. Use it for family emergencies. It is a "serious" phrase. It implies you have a schedule you are breaking. If you have a 9-to-5 job, this is your go-to expression. Even if you finish all your work, you still "early retreat" if it is before 5:00 PM. It shows you respect the established schedule.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for social gatherings. If you leave a party early, do not say 早退をします. It sounds like the party was a job! That might hurt the host's feelings. Instead, say お先に失礼します. Do not use it for leaving a movie theater or a restaurant. It is only for places with a fixed "end time" like work. Also, do not use it if you are the boss and everyone else is staying. That might feel a bit like you are bragging about your freedom!
Cultural Background
In Japan, the group is very important. Leaving early can feel like you are abandoning the team. This is why Japanese people often apologize when they leave. You might hear すみません (Excuse me) before the phrase. There is a strong "work-hard" culture where staying late is common. However, things are changing. People are more open about health and family now. Still, always give a reason. Leaving without a reason is considered a bit mysterious and maybe a little rude. It is all about maintaining harmony.
Common Variations
You might see 早退届 on a piece of paper. That is an "early leave notification" form. Some strict offices require this. Another variation is 早上がり. This is used mostly for part-time jobs or shifts. If you work at a cafe, you use 早上がり. If you work in an office, you use 早退. It is a small but important distinction. Think of 早退 as the more "official" version for salaried workers.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral but leans towards formal because it deals with schedules and obligations. Always pair it with a reason to maintain social harmony.
The Magic Exit Phrase
Even if you've already said you're leaving early, always say 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' (Pardon me for leaving first) as you actually walk out the door.
Not for Parties!
Never use 'sōtai' for social events. It makes the host feel like their party is a chore or a job. Use 'sorosoro shitsurei shimasu' instead.
The 'Reason' Rule
In Japan, leaving early without a reason is rare. Even if it's just 'personal business,' people usually say 'yōji ga arimashite' (I have some errands/business).
Examples
6少し熱があるので、今日は早退をします。
I have a bit of a fever, so I'm going to leave early today.
A very standard way to inform a colleague or supervisor.
歯医者の予約があるので、早退してもいいですか？
I have a dentist appointment, so may I leave early?
Using the 'te-mo ii desu ka' form to ask for permission.
子供が熱を出したので、早退させていただきます。
My child has a fever, so I will be leaving early.
Using 'sasete itadakimasu' makes it very polite and professional.
仕事、早退できた！今から行けるよ。
I was able to leave work early! I can come now.
The past tense 'dekita' shows the person successfully got away early.
推しのライブがあるので、全力で早退をします！
My favorite idol has a concert, so I'm leaving early with all my might!
Adding 'zenryoku de' (with all my might) adds a funny, dramatic touch.
急用ができたので、申し訳ありませんが早退をします。
Something urgent came up, so I am very sorry, but I will leave early.
Using 'moushiwake arimasen' expresses deep apology for the sudden leave.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase.
今日は体調が悪いので、早退___します。
The standard collocation is '早退をする' (sōtai o suru).
Which verb form is most appropriate when asking a boss?
すみません、1時間早く___もいいですか？
The form '~te mo ii desu ka' is used to ask for permission.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Leaving Early
Talking to a close friend or classmate.
早退するね (Sōtai suru ne)
Standard office talk with coworkers.
早退をします (Sōtai o shimasu)
Speaking to a high-level manager.
早退させていただきます (Sōtai sasete itadakimasu)
Where to use 早退をする
Office Job
Leaving for a doctor's visit.
University
Leaving a lecture early for a job interview.
High School
Going home early because of a cold.
Part-time Job
Leaving the shift early due to an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Kaeru' just means to go home. 'Sōtai' specifically means you are leaving before the official end time of work or school.
Yes, but for shifts, people often use 早上がり (haya-agari) instead. 早退 sounds a bit more like an office environment.
Culturally, no. You should always provide a valid reason like 体調不良 (taichō furyō - poor health) or 急用 (kyūyō - urgent business).
Use the phrase: 早退してもよろしいでしょうか？ (Sōtai shite mo yoroshii deshō ka?). It is very polite.
In casual speech, you can drop it and say 早退する. Keeping the を makes it sound slightly more formal and complete.
That is usually called 時短勤務 (jitan kinmu - shortened working hours), not 早退. 早退 implies it's an exception to the rule.
It is better to say 中座する (chūza suru), which means to leave in the middle of a meeting, rather than 早退.
Yes, it is the standard term for a student leaving school early. Parents often write it in the 連絡帳 (renraku-chō - contact book).
The opposite would be 残業 (zangyō) for working late, or 遅刻 (chikoku) for arriving late.
In some traditional Japanese companies, it might be seen as slightly rude. It's best to check with your team first.
Related Phrases
お先に失礼します
Pardon me for leaving before you (standard exit phrase).
早上がり
Leaving a shift early (common in part-time jobs).
遅刻をする
To be late (the opposite of leaving early).
有給休暇
Paid leave (taking the whole day off).
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