Translation guide
How to apologize naturally in Japanese, from casual 'sorry' to formal apologies.
Light apology among friends, family, or in informal situations.
Casual 'sorry'. Use with close friends, family, or children. Not for formal situations.
Sorry I'm late.
Oh, sorry!
Politer than ごめん, but still casual. Often used by children or in slightly more polite informal settings.
Very casual, masculine 'my bad'. Used among close male friends.
Polite apology suitable for most everyday situations, with strangers, colleagues, or in service contexts.
Deep apology in professional or serious contexts, often with a bowing nuance.
Very formal apology. Standard in customer service and business when taking responsibility.
Saying sorry for doing something specific, often using the て-form + apology word.
Expressing regret for something you did, often using past tense or 〜た form.
Casual-polite apology for a past action. Often used by younger people or in semi-formal settings.
I'm sorry for lying.
Apologizing in written communication, emails, or letters.
Standard formal apology in business emails.
Explaining why you are sorry, often using 〜ので or 〜から.
Casual-polite apology giving a reason. ので softens the excuse.
Sorry, the train was delayed.
Specifically apologizing for causing trouble or burden.
Polite apology for causing trouble. 迷惑 means 'nuisance/trouble'.
ごめんなさい is personal and emotional, used with people close to you or when you feel genuinely sorry. すみません is more social and functional, used for minor apologies, getting attention, or thanking. 申し訳ありません is formal and expresses a stronger sense of responsibility, often used in business.
I'm sorry, don't cry.
Sorry, I forgot.
My bad, my bad.
Versatile polite apology. Also used to get attention or express thanks. Safe for most situations.
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
Oh, excuse me / sorry!
Formal apology. Stronger than すみません. Used in business or when you've caused real inconvenience.
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
Polite apology for a minor breach of etiquette, like interrupting or leaving early. Literally 'I was rude'.
Excuse me for leaving before you.
I am terribly sorry.
Very formal written or spoken apology. Often used in official statements.
We sincerely apologize.
Formal 'I apologize'. Used in official or legal contexts. Less common in daily speech.
Our company deeply apologizes for this matter.
Sorry for not telling you.
Polite pattern: verb て-form + すみません. Apologize for a specific action politely.
Sorry to have kept you waiting.
Formal pattern: verb て-form + 申し訳ありません. Strong apology for a specific action.
I apologize for causing you trouble.
Means 'I'm reflecting on my actions'. Shows remorse beyond a simple apology.
I'm reflecting on my behavior.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Very formal written apology, often in official letters.
We deeply apologize for the trouble caused this time.
Formal apology with reason.
I will be absent due to poor health. I apologize.
I'm sorry for the trouble I caused.
Formal apology for inconvenience. 不便 means 'inconvenience'.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Excuse me, where is the station?
I apologize, I'll fix it right away.
English speakers often say 'I apologize' in situations where Japanese would use すみません or a simple ごめんなさい. Using 謝罪します (shazai shimasu) in casual contexts sounds overly stiff and unnatural. Reserve it for official statements.
Excuse me, please let me through. (Not 'I apologize')
In Japan, the depth of apology is often shown through bowing. A slight nod accompanies すみません, while a deep bow accompanies 申し訳ございません. In text, you might see 深くお詫び申し上げます (fukaku owabi mōshiagemasu) to convey deep apology.