Translation guide
How to say 'excuse me' in Japanese depends heavily on the situation: getting attention, apologizing for a minor inconvenience, leaving a conversation, or entering a room. The most common expressions are すみません and ごめんなさい, but their usage differs from English.
Calling out to a stranger, waiter, or someone you don't know well to ask a question or make a request.
The most common and versatile way to say 'excuse me' when getting attention. Can be used with strangers, in shops, restaurants, etc.
すみません、駅はどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the station?
すみません、注文をお願いします。
Excuse me, I'd like to order.
A slightly softer, more casual version. 'ちょっと' adds a sense of 'just a moment'.
ちょっとすみません、これいくらですか。
Excuse me, how much is this?
A hesitation sound used to get attention, similar to 'uhm, excuse me'. Often used before すみません.
Saying sorry when you bump into someone, interrupt, or cause a small trouble.
Politely excusing yourself from a group or ending an interaction.
When you didn't hear or understand what someone said.
Polite way to ask someone to repeat. 'もう一度' means 'once more'.
Politely asking people to move aside so you can pass.
Common phrase when navigating through a crowd. '通ります' means 'I'm passing through'.
すみません、通ります。
Excuse me, coming through.
すみません is more versatile and polite for strangers and minor inconveniences. ごめんなさい is more personal and often used among friends or for admitting fault. In formal settings, すみません is generally safer.
すみません、道を教えてください。
Excuse me, could you tell me the way?
ごめんなさい、忘れちゃった。
Sorry, I forgot.
Uhm, excuse me.
Used for light apologies. More polite than ごめんなさい in many situations.
すみません、ちょっと通してください。
Excuse me, please let me through.
あ、すみません。
Oh, excuse me. (after bumping into someone)
A more personal apology, often used among friends or for slightly more serious mistakes. Can sound a bit childish or overly familiar in formal settings.
ごめんなさい、遅れました。
Sorry I'm late.
Literally 'I'm being rude'. Used when entering a room, interrupting, or leaving. More formal than すみません.
失礼します。
Excuse me. (when entering a room)
A polite way to excuse yourself briefly, e.g., to take a call or go to the restroom.
すみません、ちょっと失礼します。
Excuse me for a moment.
Excuse me, could you say that again?
Very casual, like 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only use with close friends.
え？何て言った？
Huh? What did you say?
A slightly more formal way to ask to pass.
ちょっと失礼します。
Excuse me. (while passing)
In English, 'excuse me' is used very frequently. In Japanese, it's often more natural to use a specific phrase for the situation, or sometimes just a bow. Saying すみません too often can sound overly apologetic.