Question
I was taking the lift and many people were in it. As I was the one standing nearest to the buttons, I held the door open while many people got off at my level. How do I say “After you” to the people getting off?
Answer by Professional Japanese Teacher
(1) お先(さき)にどうぞ。
Osakini doozo.
(You) first, please.
You can use the above expression. Osakini literally means “you go first”. It is used when you want other people to go ahead first with whatever they are doing.
You can also use this expression when you are holding the door to a restaurant, shop, or even your office. If someone says Osakini doozo, you can reply “ありがとうございます Arigatoo gozaimasu (Thank you)”.
