すみませんが・
A request often opens with a word of apology: "sorry, but…". The が or けど after it only hands over to the request. Which word you open with depends on who you are asking.
polite speech
Sorry, one more time, please.
staff to a customer
I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you check the application form?
How to form it
apology + が／けど、+ request
The request that follows stays at the same level of politeness.
From friends to customers
| In English | Said to | |
|---|---|---|
| 悪いけど | "sorry, but" | Friends and family; your own staff |
| すみませんが | "excuse me, but" | Anyone you speak politely to |
| 申し訳ありませんが | "I'm very sorry, but" | A customer, or someone above you |
| 恐れ入りますが | "I'm sorry to trouble you, but" | Customers, by staff; business contacts |
| お手数ですが | "sorry for the trouble, but" | Customers and business contacts, for a chore |
With nothing in front, a request can sound abrupt. The opener tells the other person that you know you are putting them out.
悪いけど: friends and family
It isn't said to someone above you. At work it is for a close colleague, or your own staff. Friends also say ごめん, without けど.
Sorry, but I'd like you to check these figures once more.
A manager, to someone on her team.
すみませんが: polite speech
The one to start with: it suits a stranger, a salesclerk, a teacher or a boss. すみません with no が is just as common.
Excuse me, but could you open the window?
Excuse me, could you take a photo?
申し訳ありませんが: a heavier apology
It often opens a refusal or bad news, too. 申し訳ございませんが is more formal still.
a request
I'm very sorry, but could you wait a moment?
a refusal
I'm very sorry, but we are full today.
恐れ入りますが: staff and business
It says you are sorry to trouble someone, not that you did anything wrong. It also suits a careful request to a stranger.
to a stranger
I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you close this window?
お手数ですが: when it means work for them
手数 is time and effort, so this one opens a request for a chore: filling out a form, sending something back, checking something.
at a counter
Sorry for the trouble, but please write your name and address here.
closing an email
I'm sorry to put you to this trouble, and thank you in advance.
よかったら and 差し支えなければ: not apologies
よかったら is "if you like". It mostly opens an offer or an invitation, which is for the other person, so nothing needs an apology. 差し支えなければ, "if you don't mind", is formal: it opens a request or a personal question that the other person is free to refuse.
If you like, why don't we go together?
More politely: よろしければ.
If you don't mind, could you give me your contact details?
Close neighbours
が・けどN5
The same two words. Between two facts they are a real "but".
This room is small, but it is bright.
んですがN4
The other everyday way to open: you explain your situation first.
I have a favor to ask. Is now a good time?
How friends ask: what follows 悪いけど.
Could you open the window?
The careful request that follows すみませんが.
Could you explain this sentence one more time?
Check yourself
1You ask your teacher to look at your essay. Which one fits?
（ ）、
Choose an answer to see why.
2You hold out a box of sweets to a colleague. Which one fits?
（ ）、
Choose an answer to see why.
More sentences
on the phone
I'm sorry to trouble you, but could I ask your name?
I am sorry to trouble you while you are busy, but could you please check these documents?
I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid we don't know that here.
If you like, would you come over to my place sometime?