How to say sorry in Japanese: すみません and ごめんなさい
Sorry in Japanese is すみません (sumimasen), universal: both an apology and a way to call someone, and 'thanks for the trouble'. ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) is a personal 'sorry', for close ones. For serious fault, apologize with 申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen).
すみません is the most useful word in Japanese. It is used to stop a waiter, ask to pass, thank for a service, and admit fault. Literally it means 'I have no peace': while I have troubled you, I am uneasy.
How to apologize in Japanese
| Japanese | Reading | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| すみません | sumimasen | Sorry; excuse me; may I? |
| ごめんなさい | gomen nasai | Sorry, I apologizepersonal, warm; with close ones |
| ごめん | gomen | Sorryvery informal, between friends |
| 申し訳ありませんもうしわけありません | mōshiwake arimasen | I offer my deepest apologiesbusiness, for serious mistakes |
| 失礼しましたしつれいしました | shitsurei shimashita | Excuse my rudeness |
| お邪魔しましたおじゃましました | o-jama shimashita | Sorry for the intrusionwhen leaving someone's home or office |
How すみません differs from ごめんなさい
すみません is a social apology, it works with strangers and in public places. ごめんなさい is personal, between people who have a relationship: family, friends, couples. To a stranger on the subway you say すみません; to a friend you let down, you say ごめんなさい.
When 'sumimasen' is not an apology
- To call a waiter or passerby: すみません instead of 'excuse me, may I?'.
- To thank for a service: a Japanese person would say すみません where we would say 'thanks for your trouble'.
- To squeeze through a crowd: すみません with a slight bow.
- To start a question to a stranger: すみません、駅はどこですか — 'excuse me, where is the station?'.
Say 'sumimasen' out loud
FAQ
How do you say 'sorry' in Japanese?
すみません (sumimasen) is universal. For close ones, ごめんなさい (gomen nasai). For serious fault, 申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen).
What is the difference between 'sumimasen' and 'gomen nasai'?
すみません is social and suitable for strangers, ごめんなさい is personal and warm — for those with whom you have a relationship. In business settings, ごめんなさい sounds childish.
Is it true that 'sumimasen' also means 'hey, listen'?
Yes. It is used to call a waiter, a passerby, a shopkeeper. It is the most polite way to address a stranger in Japan.
How to apologize for a serious mistake?
申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen) or even stronger 申し訳ございません. Always with a bow: in Japan, the depth of the bow is part of the apology.
Updated: