Translation guide
How to apologize, ask for repetition, or express polite disagreement in Japanese, depending on the situation.
The speaker wants to say sorry for a small error, bumping into someone, or interrupting.
The most common, all-purpose apology. Used for minor mistakes, getting someone's attention, or expressing light regret.
I beg your pardon, please let me through.
A slightly more personal apology, often used among friends or in casual situations. Can sound a bit childish in formal settings.
I beg your pardon, I'm late.
A more formal apology, suitable for business or when you've committed a social faux pas. Literally 'I was rude'.
I beg your pardon. I'll be leaving now.
The speaker didn't hear or understand and wants the other person to say it again.
Polite and clear way to ask for repetition. Combines 'excuse me' with 'once more, please'.
I beg your pardon? Could you say that again?
Very casual interjection meaning 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only for close friends or informal situations. Can be rude otherwise.
Huh? What did you say?
Very formal apology for not catching what was said. Used in business or with superiors.
The speaker is shocked or politely disagrees with what was said, similar to 'Excuse me?' in English.
Literally 'please wait a moment', used to express disbelief or to pause a conversation when something unexpected is said.
I beg your pardon? That's not right.
Sharp interjection showing surprise or disbelief. More emphatic than え？.
I beg your pardon? Really?
A formal preface to a polite disagreement, like 'With all due respect' or 'I beg your pardon, but...'.
The English phrase 'I beg your pardon' has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. The appropriate expression depends entirely on the situation: apologizing, asking for repetition, or expressing polite disagreement. Using a literal translation like 許しを請う (yurushi o kou) would sound archaic and bizarre.
すみません is more versatile and socially safe. It can be used with strangers, in shops, or at work. ごめんなさい feels more personal and is often used among family and close friends. In formal business settings, 失礼しました or 申し訳ありません are preferred.
I beg your pardon, I didn't catch that. Could you please repeat it?
I beg your pardon, but I cannot agree on that point.