Translation guide
A phrase used to politely interrupt, get someone's attention, or preface a request, question, or disagreement. Japanese equivalents vary by situation and level of politeness.
Politely getting someone's attention or interrupting them before speaking.
The most common and versatile phrase for 'Excuse me' in many situations. Can be used to get attention, apologize lightly, or start a request.
Excuse me, where is the station?
A hesitation sound used to get attention or start speaking, similar to 'Um' or 'Excuse me'. Often combined with すみません.
Um, excuse me.
A slightly more casual way to get attention, literally 'a little excuse me'. Used when you need to interrupt briefly.
Excuse me, coming through.
Softening a request or question to make it more polite.
Literally 'I'm sorry, but...'. A standard polite way to preface a request or question. The が softens the interruption.
Excuse me, but could you pass the salt?
A very polite and formal phrase, often used in business or customer service. Literally 'I'm afraid, but...'.
Very formal and apologetic, used when the request might cause inconvenience. Literally 'I have no excuse, but...'.
Politely introducing a differing opinion or correcting someone.
Also used before disagreeing or correcting. The tone and context make the intent clear.
Excuse me, but I think that's wrong.
Literally 'It's rude, but...'. Used before saying something that might be impolite or direct, like a correction or personal question.
Excuse me, but who are you?
Very formal and humble, used to respectfully contradict a superior. Literally 'Regarding your words, but...'.
すみません alone can be used to get attention or apologize. Adding が (but) explicitly connects it to a following request or statement, making it slightly more polite and formal.
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Excuse me, but where is the bathroom?
English 'Excuse me, but...' often sounds confrontational if translated literally into Japanese. Use the phrases above to soften the tone. In many cases, simply starting with あのう or すみません is enough.
Excuse me, I'd like to ask you something.
Excuse me, but may I have your name?
Excuse me, but could you say that again?
Excuse me, but that is not factual.