When you search for “sorry in Japanese,” you’re likely looking for more than just a word—you want to understand how to apologize in a way that feels natural and respectful in Japanese culture. Apologies in Japan aren’t just about saying “I’m sorry”; they’re deeply tied to social harmony, politeness, and context. For English speakers who don’t know much Japanese, this can seem daunting. But don’t worry—this article will make it simple, clear, and practical, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Let’s get started!
Why Apologies Are a Big Deal in Japanese Culture
Before we dive into the phrases, let’s talk about why apologies matter so much in Japan. In Japanese culture, maintaining harmony (wa 和) is a top priority. Apologizing is a way to smooth over any disruption—big or small—and show respect for others. This means you’ll hear “sorry” more often in Japan than you might expect in English-speaking countries.
For example, Japanese people might apologize when:
- They’re a few minutes late.
- They ask someone for a favor.
- They accidentally bump into someone.
- They leave work before their colleagues.
This isn’t just about guilt—it’s about acknowledging others’ feelings and keeping relationships positive. In business settings, a well-delivered apology can even strengthen trust. Understanding this cultural backdrop will help you use the phrases we’re about to learn more effectively.
So, what are the key ways to say “sorry” in Japanese? Let’s break it down.
5 Essential Ways to Say “Sorry” in Japanese
Japanese has multiple ways to apologize, each with its own level of formality and situation. Here are the five most important phrases for beginners, complete with meanings, uses, and examples.
1. Sumimasen (すみません) – The Everyday All-Rounder
- Meaning: “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” or even “Thank you” (depending on context).
- When to use it: This is the most versatile apology in Japanese. Use it for minor inconveniences, to get attention, or to express gratitude when someone helps you.
- How it sounds: “Soo-mee-mah-sen” (the “u” is soft, almost like “smee”).
Examples:
- Bumping into someone:
すみません！ (Sumimasen!) – “Sorry!”
You’re in a crowded train and accidentally step on someone’s foot. A quick sumimasen shows your regret. - Asking for help:
すみません、トイレはどこですか？ (Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka?) – “Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?”
Here, it’s a polite way to interrupt and ask a question.
Cultural note: Sumimasen is so flexible that it can double as “thank you.” If a waiter refills your water, you might say sumimasen to appreciate their effort while apologizing for the trouble.
2. Gomennasai (ごめんなさい) – The Friendly Apology
- Meaning: “I’m sorry.”
- When to use it: Perfect for casual situations with friends, family, or people you’re comfortable with. It’s more heartfelt than sumimasen.
- How it sounds: “Goh-men-nah-sigh” (“go” like “goat,” “sai” like “sigh”).
Examples:
- Being late to meet a friend:
ごめんなさい、遅れました。 (Gomennasai, okuremashita.) – “I’m sorry, I’m late.”
You’re 10 minutes late for coffee—gomennasai keeps it friendly and sincere. - Breaking something:
ごめんなさい、コップを落としてしまいました。 (Gomennasai, koppu o otoshite shimaimashita.) – “I’m sorry, I dropped the glass.”
A personal apology for a small accident.
Tip: With close friends, you can shorten it to ごめん (gomen), pronounced “goh-men.” But save this for informal settings—it’s too casual for strangers or superiors.
3. Shitsurei shimasu (失礼します) – The Polite Excuse
- Meaning: “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry for the intrusion.”
- When to use it: Use this when entering or leaving a space, interrupting, or excusing yourself. It’s polite and works in both casual and formal contexts.
- How it sounds: “Sheet-soo-ray shee-moss” (“shi” like “she,” “rei” like “ray”).
Examples:
- Entering a room:
失礼します。 (Shitsurei shimasu.) – “Excuse me.”
You’re stepping into a meeting or someone’s office—this shows respect. - Leaving work early:
お先に失礼します。 (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.) – “Sorry for leaving before you.”
A common phrase when you’re heading out while others are still working.
Cultural note: In Japan, leaving before your colleagues is seen as a minor disruption, so this apology keeps the peace.
4. Moushiwake arimasen (申し訳ありません) – The Formal Regret
- Meaning: “I have no excuse” or “I’m deeply sorry.”
- When to use it: This is for serious apologies, especially in business or with people of higher status (like a boss or customer).
- How it sounds: “Moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen” (“mou” like “mow,” “wake” like “wah-keh”).
Examples:
- Mistake at work:
大変申し訳ありません、ファイルを間違えました。 (Taihen moushiwake arimasen, fairu o machigaemashita.) – “I’m terribly sorry, I got the file wrong.”
You sent the wrong document to your boss—this shows accountability. - Inconveniencing a customer:
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。 (Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen.) – “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
A professional apology for a delay or error.
Tip: Add 本当に (hontou ni, “truly”) for emphasis: 本当に申し訳ありません (Hontou ni moushiwake arimasen) – “I’m truly sorry.”
5. Owabi moushiagemasu (お詫び申し上げます) – The Ultimate Apology
- Meaning: “I sincerely apologize.”
- When to use it: The most formal and serious apology, used in official statements or after major mistakes.
- How it sounds: “Oh-wah-bee moh-shee-ah-geh-moss” (“wa” like “wah,” “agemasu” like “ah-geh-moss”).
Examples:
- Public apology:
心からお詫び申し上げます。 (Kokoro kara owabi moushiagemasu.) – “I sincerely apologize from my heart.”
A company might use this after a product recall. - Deep regret:
多大なご迷惑をおかけし、お詫び申し上げます。 (Tadai na gomeiwaku o okake shi, owabi moushiagemasu.) – “I apologize for causing you great inconvenience.”
Reserved for significant offenses.
Cultural note: This is rare in daily life—it’s for situations where you need to convey profound remorse.
Cultural Context: When and Why to Apologize
Knowing the phrases is only half the battle—understanding when and why to use them is key. Here’s a deeper look at Japanese apology culture.
Everyday Apologies
In Japan, apologizing for small things is normal. For example:
- Crowded spaces: Saying すみません (sumimasen) when squeezing past someone on a bus.
- Asking for favors: Using すみません when asking a stranger for directions.
This keeps interactions smooth and polite.
Respect Through Apologies
Apologies often signal respect, especially in formal settings:
- Interrupting: 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) when joining a conversation.
- Mistakes: 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) to a superior after an error.
It’s less about blame and more about honoring the other person.
Business Apologies
In professional contexts, apologies are critical:
- Client issues: A delayed shipment might prompt ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません (Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen).
- Team dynamics: Leaving early calls for お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu).
Fun fact: Apologies often come with a bow. A slight nod for small apologies, a deeper bow for serious ones.
Real-Life Examples: Apologizing in Action
Let’s see these phrases in practical scenarios. Each example includes a casual and formal version where relevant.
Scenario 1: You’re Late
- Casual (to a friend):
ごめんなさい、電車が遅れてたんだ。 (Gomennasai, densha ga okureteta nda.) – “Sorry, the train was delayed.” - Formal (to a boss):
大変申し訳ありません、遅刻してしまいました。 (Taihen moushiwake arimasen, chikoku shite shimaimashita.) – “I’m terribly sorry for being late.”
Scenario 2: You Spill Something
- Casual (to a roommate):
ごめん、水こぼしちゃった。 (Gomen, mizu koboshichatta.) – “Sorry, I spilled water.” - Formal (to a colleague):
すみません、デスクにコーヒーをこぼしてしまいました。 (Sumimasen, desuku ni koohii o koboshite shimaimashita.) – “I’m sorry, I spilled coffee on the desk.”
Scenario 3: You Interrupt
- Casual (to a peer):
すみません、ちょっと聞いてもいい？ (Sumimasen, chotto kiite mo ii?) – “Sorry, can I ask something quick?” - Formal (in a meeting):
失礼しますが、ご意見を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？ (Shitsurei shimasu ga, goiken o ukagatte mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – “Excuse me, may I hear your opinion?”
These examples show how tone and formality shift based on the situation and relationship.
Pronunciation Made Easy
Japanese pronunciation might feel unfamiliar, but it’s straightforward once you get the basics. Here’s how to say each phrase, plus tips for English speakers.
- Sumimasen (すみません): “Soo-mee-mah-sen.” Keep the “u” soft and short.
- Gomennasai (ごめんなさい): “Goh-men-nah-sigh.” Stress the “go” slightly.
- Shitsurei shimasu (失礼します): “Sheet-soo-ray shee-moss.” The “r” is a light tap, not a rolled English “r.”
- Moushiwake arimasen (申し訳ありません): “Moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen.” Say “wake” quickly.
- Owabi moushiagemasu (お詫び申し上げます): “Oh-wah-bee moh-shee-ah-geh-moss.” Keep vowels crisp.
Vowel guide:
- a: Like “father” (short).
- i: Like “see.”
- u: Like “boot,” but softer.
- e: Like “bed.”
- o: Like “note.”
Practice tip: The Japanese “r” is between an English “r” and “l.” Tap your tongue lightly behind your teeth.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even with good intentions, beginners can trip up. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Too casual: Saying ごめん (gomen) to a teacher or boss is rude. Use ごめんなさい or すみません instead.
- Overdoing it: Apologizing too much can seem fake. Match the apology to the situation.
- Ignoring body language: A slight bow with 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) adds sincerity in person.
Extra Phrases to Know
Here are bonus expressions to round out your apology skills:
- Warui (悪い): “My bad.” Super casual, for friends only.
悪い、忘れてた。 (Warui, wasureteta.) – “My bad, I forgot.” - Osore irimasu (恐れ入ります): “Sorry for the trouble.” Polite and humble.
お手数をおかけして恐れ入ります。 (Otesuu o okake shite osore irimasu.) – “Sorry for the inconvenience.” - Shouganai (しょうがない): “It can’t be helped.” Not an apology, but a way to move on.
しょうがないね。 (Shouganai ne.) – “Oh well, nothing we can do.”
Wrapping Up: Your Path to Apologizing in Japanese
Mastering “sorry” in Japanese is about more than words—it’s about connecting with a culture that values respect and harmony. Here’s a quick recap:
- Sumimasen: Everyday politeness.
- Gomennasai: Casual and heartfelt.
- Shitsurei shimasu: Respectful interruptions.
- Moushiwake arimasen: Formal regret.
- Owabi moushiagemasu: Deep sincerity.
With these tools, you’re ready to apologize like a native—whether it’s a quick sumimasen on the street or a formal moushiwake arimasen at work. Practice these phrases, listen to how they’re used, and soon you’ll feel confident navigating Japanese etiquette.
Want to go further? Try role-playing these scenarios with a friend or exploring more Japanese culture. Every apology you learn brings you closer to understanding this fascinating language. So, go ahead—say sumimasen and start your journey!
