Apologies in Japanese
The word an English speaker reaches for as “sorry” is usually sumimasen, and it is not really an apology. It opens a question, calls a waiter, thanks someone for trouble taken, and excuses you squeezing past on a train. It is the single most useful word in the language.
Gomen nasai is the real apology — you did something wrong and you are sorry for it. Moushiwake gozaimasen is the version staff use to customers, and it is far heavier than it looks: literally there is no excuse. Say it for a spilled drink and you will get a startled look.
All 13 phrases in this section
Each one has its own page with the kana, the romaji, a literal breakdown of what the words actually say, and a note on when it fits and when it does not.
- Excuse me for leaving firstお先に失礼します
- Excuse me (squeezing past)失礼します
- Sorry for the inconvenienceご迷惑をおかけしました
- I didn't know知りませんでした
- I'm very sorry申し訳ありません
- It can't be helped仕方がありません
- It's fine / don't worry大丈夫です
- That was my mistake私のミスです
- No problem問題ありません
- Please forgive me許してください
- Sorryすみません
- Sorry I'm late遅れてすみません
- Sorry to keep you waitingお待たせしました
The rest of the phrasebook
- Greetings挨拶14
- Thanks and Politeness感謝13
- Yes, No and Understanding返事14
- Introductions自己紹介13
- Small Talk雑談13
- Numbers and Counting数14
- Time and Dates時間13
- Asking Directions道案内14
- Trains and Stations電車15
- Taxis and Busesタクシー13
- Hotels and Ryokan宿14
- Restaurants and Ordering食事16
- Allergies and Food Restrictions食事制限13
- Convenience Stores and Shopping買い物14
- Money and Payment支払い13
- Temples and Sightseeing観光13
- Onsen and Public Baths温泉13
- Health and Pharmacy体調14
- Emergencies緊急14
- Lost Things and Trouble困りごと13
- Phone and Internet通信12
- Weather and Seasons天気13
- Reactions and Compliments相づち13
- Goodbyes別れ13