Translation guide
A guide to expressing apology, regret, or sympathy in Japanese, organized by situation and nuance.
To express a sincere apology when you have done something wrong.
The most common and general apology. Suitable for everyday situations, but can be too casual for very formal settings.
遅れてごめんなさい。
I'm sorry I'm late.
ごめんなさい、忘れてしまいました。
I'm sorry, I forgot.
A versatile apology that also means 'excuse me' or 'thank you'. Slightly more formal than ごめんなさい, and often used in public or with strangers.
すみません、間違えました。
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
A formal and humble apology, used in business or serious situations. Literally 'I have no excuse'.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
Casual, masculine apology among close friends. Literally 'it was bad (of me)'.
悪かった、もうしない。
Sorry, I won't do it again.
To show that you feel sorry for someone's misfortune or loss.
Expresses sympathy for someone's difficult situation. Can sound a bit distant or formal.
お気の毒に、大変でしたね。
I'm sorry to hear that, it must have been tough.
Expresses regret or disappointment about an unfortunate outcome. Not a direct apology, but often used where English would say 'I'm sorry'.
それは残念です。
I'm sorry to hear that.
Used specifically for bereavement. Very formal and traditional.
ご愁傷様です。心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
I'm sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
To politely get someone's attention, similar to 'excuse me' or 'sorry' in English.
Used to call a waiter, ask a stranger for directions, or interrupt someone.
すみません、駅はどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the station?
A slightly softer way to interrupt or get attention.
ちょっとすみません、お願いがあるんですが。
Sorry to bother you, but I have a favor to ask.
To soften a refusal, often with an apologetic tone.
A common way to preface a refusal or negative response.
すみませんが、今日はちょっと…
I'm sorry, but today is a bit... (implying you can't).
A more casual version of the above.
ごめんなさい、ちょっと無理です。
Sorry, it's a bit impossible.
To ask someone to repeat what they said, similar to 'Sorry?' or 'Pardon?'.
Polite way to ask someone to repeat.
すみません、もう一度お願いします。
Sorry, could you say that again?
Very casual, like 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Use only with close friends.
え？何て言った？
Sorry? What did you say?
ごめんなさい is more personal and often used with friends/family. すみません is more public and can also express gratitude or get attention. In formal apologies, use 申し訳ありません.
友達にごめんなさいと言った。
I said sorry to my friend.
上司にすみませんと謝った。
I apologized to my boss with 'sumimasen'.
In Japanese culture, apologizing is common, but using ごめんなさい for minor things can sound overly dramatic. すみません is often safer for small mistakes or inconveniences.