Translation guide
How to say 'excuse' in Japanese depends on whether you mean apologizing, making an excuse, excusing someone, or asking to be excused. This guide covers the most common natural expressions.
The speaker wants to apologize lightly, get attention, or politely interrupt.
The most common all-purpose phrase for 'excuse me' or 'I'm sorry'. Used to get attention, apologize for minor things, or express thanks for a favor.
Excuse me, where is the station?
Sorry I'm late.
A more personal apology, like 'I'm sorry'. Less formal than すみません, often used with friends or for clear mistakes.
Sorry, I forgot.
Literally 'I'm being rude'. Used when entering or leaving a room, or before doing something that might be slightly impolite. More formal than すみません.
Excuse me (upon entering a room).
A very formal apology, used in business or serious situations. Not for casual 'excuse me'.
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
The speaker wants to explain why they did or didn't do something, often to avoid blame.
The standard noun for 'excuse' in the sense of a justification or pretext. Often used with する to mean 'make an excuse'.
Don't make excuses.
The verb phrase 'to make an excuse'. More natural than using 言い訳 alone as a verb.
He always makes excuses.
A pretext or a convenient excuse, often implying it's not the real reason. Slightly more formal than 言い訳.
To blame something or use it as an excuse. Often used when shifting responsibility.
Don't blame it on the weather. / Don't use the weather as an excuse.
The speaker wants to allow someone not to do something, or to forgive a minor fault.
To forgive or excuse someone. Can be used for both serious and minor matters.
I'll let you off just this once.
To overlook or excuse a minor fault; to be lenient. Literally 'look with big eyes'.
To exempt or excuse from a duty, payment, or requirement. Formal.
I was excused from paying tuition.
The speaker wants to politely leave a room, meeting, or social situation.
Standard phrase when leaving a room or ending a conversation. Also used when leaving work before others.
Excuse me for leaving before you. (said when leaving the office)
A very polite, somewhat old-fashioned way to say 'I'll take my leave'. Used in formal settings.
I should be going now.
すみません is the safest and most versatile. Use it for getting attention, light apologies, and expressing thanks. ごめんなさい is more personal and implies fault; use it with friends or when you clearly messed up. 失礼します is for entering/exiting and formal situations where you are 'being rude' by leaving or interrupting.
English 'excuse me' has many functions that don't map one-to-one with Japanese. For example, 'excuse me?' as 'what did you say?' is often just え？ or もう一度お願いします. 'Excuse me!' as an indignant reaction might be ちょっと！. Always consider the situation.
That's just an excuse.
病気を口実に休んだ。
I took the day off using illness as an excuse.
Please excuse me since it's my first time. / Please go easy on me.