Translation guide
In Japanese, apologies range from casual 'sorry' to formal expressions of deep regret. The choice depends on the situation, relationship, and severity. Common words include ごめんなさい (casual/semi-formal), すみません (apology + thanks), and 申し訳ありません (formal). Bowing often accompanies verbal apologies.
Saying 'sorry' for minor mistakes or inconveniences among friends, family, or close colleagues.
Very casual, used with close friends, family, or children. Not for superiors or formal situations.
Sorry I'm late!
Semi-casual to polite. Safe for most everyday situations with acquaintances or when you want to sound a bit more polite than ごめん.
Very casual, mainly used by men. Literally means 'bad', but used like 'my bad'.
Casual, masculine, somewhat old-fashioned. Similar to 悪い but less common.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Apologizing in daily life to strangers, colleagues, or in service situations. Also used to get attention or express gratitude.
Apologizing in professional settings, to customers, or for significant mistakes. Shows deep regret and responsibility.
Standard formal apology. Literally 'I have no excuse.' Used in business, customer service, and formal situations.
Used in official letters, emails, or public statements. Conveys deep remorse and formality.
Formal written apology, often used in business correspondence. Literally 'I express my apology.'
Expressing deep regret for a significant error or hurt caused to someone close.
Sincere, heartfelt apology. Adding 本当に (truly) emphasizes remorse. Suitable for personal relationships.
Responding when someone apologizes to you.
Casual 'it's okay'. Used with friends.
A: Sorry! B: It's okay.
ごめんなさい is more personal and implies fault. すみません is broader: it can be an apology, a thank-you, or a way to get attention. In many daily situations, すみません is more natural than ごめんなさい when interacting with strangers or in service contexts.
Excuse me, how much is this?
Sorry, I forgot.
Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now.
The most versatile apology. Used for minor offenses, to get someone's attention (like 'excuse me'), or to express thanks when someone has done something for you. Not for serious mistakes.
Excuse me, could you tell me the way?
Sorry, please let me through.
A more casual, colloquial pronunciation of すみません. Common in spoken Japanese but slightly less polite.
Sorry I'm late.
Also used in semi-formal contexts, but すみません is more common for apologies to strangers or in service settings.
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Even more polite than 申し訳ありません. Used in very formal business settings, especially with customers.
I am terribly sorry. I will check right away.
Very formal, often used in written apologies or official statements. Literally 'I humbly apologize.'
We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused this time.
Used for minor breaches of etiquette, like interrupting or leaving early. Less weighty than 申し訳ありません.
Excuse me for leaving before you.
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Very formal, often used in official apologies by companies or public figures. Implies admission of wrongdoing.
We deeply apologize for our company's mishandling.
I'm truly sorry. Please forgive me.
Literally 'I want to apologize.' Used to express the desire to make amends.
There's something I want to apologize to you for.
Polite 'it's fine/no problem'. Used in most situations.
A: I'm sorry. B: It's fine.
Casual 'don't worry about it'.
Don't worry about it, it's no big deal.
I'm sorry, I broke it.
Using 申し訳ございません for minor things can sound sarcastic or overly stiff. Reserve it for serious mistakes or very formal settings. In casual contexts, ごめん or すみません is more appropriate.
In Japan, a verbal apology is often accompanied by a bow. The depth and duration of the bow reflect the level of apology. A slight nod for casual ごめん, a 30-degree bow for すみません, and a deep 45-70 degree bow for formal apologies.