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.
I'm sorry I'm late.
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.
A formal and humble apology, used in business or serious situations. Literally 'I have no excuse'.
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
Casual, masculine apology among close friends. Literally 'it was bad (of me)'.
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.
To politely get someone's attention, similar to 'excuse me' or 'sorry' in English.
To soften a refusal, often with an apologetic tone.
A common way to preface a refusal or negative response.
I'm sorry, but today is a bit... (implying you can't).
To ask someone to repeat what they said, similar to 'Sorry?' or 'Pardon?'.
Polite way to ask someone to repeat.
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.
I said sorry to my friend.
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
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'.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Used specifically for bereavement. Very formal and traditional.
I'm sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Used to call a waiter, ask a stranger for directions, or interrupt someone.
Excuse me, where is the station?
A slightly softer way to interrupt or get attention.
Sorry to bother you, but I have a favor to ask.
A more casual version of the above.
Sorry, it's a bit impossible.
Sorry, could you say that again?
Very casual, like 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Use only with close friends.
Sorry? What did you say?
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.