Part of Greeting People

Saying Sorry

This Unit focuses on the Japanese you need when apologising, getting someone’s attention, and sounding more considerate in everyday situations.

In real-life Japanese, apology expressions are not used only for mistakes. Some of them also help you call out to someone, soften a request, or show consideration in a socially natural way. This Unit helps you build the expressions that make these moments sound smoother and more appropriate.

Key concepts

Some apology phrases are also used for everyday interaction

In Japanese, expressions like sumimasen are often used not only when you make a mistake, but also when you call out to someone, interrupt, or ask for help.

The same phrase can sound different depending on the situation

A phrase that sounds like a light excuse me in one moment can sound like a real apology in another. The relationship, context, and tone all matter.

Politeness and softness are very important

Apology language often helps the interaction sound more considerate. Even when you are not deeply apologising, using the right phrase can make your Japanese sound smoother and less direct.

Not every sorry expression has the same weight

Some expressions feel light and everyday, while others sound more serious or formal. It helps to notice the difference instead of treating them all as one direct translation of 'sorry'.

Key vocabulary

Expression
Meaning and usage
すみませんsumimasen
One of the most useful everyday expressions in Japanese. It can mean sorry, excuse me, or even thank you in certain situations involving consideration.
ごめんなさいgomennasai
A direct apology that often sounds more personal and emotional than sumimasen. It is common in everyday situations.
ごめんgomen
A casual apology used with friends, family, and other familiar people. It is useful, but too casual for many polite situations.
失礼しますshitsurei shimasu
A polite expression used when interrupting, entering, leaving, or doing something that may slightly impose on the other person.
申し訳ありませんmoushiwake arimasen
A much more formal and serious apology. It is useful in business, customer service, and situations where you need stronger politeness.
ちょっとchotto
Not an apology by itself, but often used as a softener before a request, refusal, or interruption. It can help the interaction sound less direct.
お待たせしましたomatase shimashita
A useful expression when apologising for making someone wait. It often sounds more natural than a plain sorry in that situation.
〜てしまってすみません~ te shimatte sumimasen
A useful pattern for apologising for something that happened or that you did. It helps make the reason for the apology more specific.

Explore phrases related to this Unit

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A practical guide to the different ways Japanese apology works, including how ごめん (gomen), ごめんなさい (gomen nasai), すみません (sumimasen), and 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) differ in weight, distance, and social use.

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A practical guide to how Japanese speakers reply to apologies, including casual and polite ways to say it is okay, how to soften the moment, and how different replies change the emotional tone of the interaction.

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What can you say with sorry in Japanese?

A practical guide to the words and phrases you can use with Japanese apology expressions, including how additions such as 本当に (hontou ni), 気をつけます (ki o tsukemasu), and ご迷惑をおかけしました (gomeiwaku o okake shimashita) change the tone and meaning of the apology.

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