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.
Excuse me, where is the station?
A slightly softer, more casual version. 'ちょっと' adds a sense of 'just a moment'.
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 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.
Excuse me, could you tell me the way?
Excuse me, I'd like to order.
Uhm, excuse me.
Used for light apologies. More polite than ごめんなさい in many situations.
Excuse me, please let me through.
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.
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.
Excuse me. (when entering a room)
Excuse me, I'll be leaving now. (said when leaving work before others)
A polite way to excuse yourself briefly, e.g., to take a call or go to the restroom.
Excuse me for a moment.
Excuse me, could you say that again?
Very casual, like 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only use with close friends.
Huh? What did you say?
Excuse me, coming through.
A slightly more formal way to ask to pass.
Excuse me. (while passing)
ごめんなさい、忘れちゃった。
Sorry, I forgot.
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.