What it literally says

I was late boarding the train

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.

When to use it

For a reserved shinkansen seat, go to the ticket office — they will usually put you on the next one.

Next in Lost Things and Trouble

• I'm in trouble困っています
• My phone has run out of batteryスマホの充電が切れました
• There's a problem with my reservation予約に問題があります
• This is broken壊れています
• Where is the lost property office?忘れ物センターはどこですか
• Where is the police box?交番はどこですか

The rest of the phrasebook

• Greetings挨拶14
• Thanks and Politeness感謝13
• Apologies謝罪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
• Phone and Internet通信12
• Weather and Seasons天気13
• Reactions and Compliments相づち13
• Goodbyes別れ13

All 337 phrases →