Sorry in Japanese
すみません
sumimasen
What it literally says
it does not end — my debt to you is unsettled
Japanese politeness is mostly built out of phrases that stopped being literal a long time ago. Knowing what is underneath is the difference between repeating a sound and knowing what you said.
The same thing, said differently
Japanese changes shape with the distance between the people speaking. These are the same meaning at other settings.
| casual | ごめん | gomen |
| polite | ごめんなさい | gomen nasai |
When to use it
Sumimasen is the workhorse. Gomen nasai is more personal and more emotional — for a friend, not a stranger.
Next in Apologies
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