Translation guide
How to say 'excuse me!' in Japanese depends on the situation: getting attention, apologizing, leaving, or entering. The most common word is すみません, but other expressions are used for specific contexts.
Excuse me (to get attention)
Excuse me (when leaving)
You want to call a waiter, ask a stranger for directions, or start a conversation.
The most common and versatile way to say 'excuse me' to get attention. Polite and safe in almost any situation.
Excuse me, where is the station?
A slightly softer, more casual way to get someone's attention. 'ちょっと' adds a sense of 'just a moment'.
Excuse me, how much is this?
A hesitation sound used to get attention politely, similar to 'uhm, excuse me'. Often used before すみません.
You bumped into someone, need to pass through, or made a small error.
You need to leave a meeting, hang up the phone, or excuse yourself from a social setting.
Standard phrase when leaving a formal or semi-formal situation. Also used when hanging up the phone.
You didn't hear or understand what someone said.
すみません is more versatile and can be used for both getting attention and light apologies. ごめんなさい is a more direct apology and can sound childish or overly familiar in formal settings. Use すみません when in doubt.
Excuse me, please tell me the way.
Uhm, excuse me.
Used for light apologies. It's the go-to phrase for everyday 'excuse me' or 'sorry'.
Excuse me, I'm coming through.
More explicitly apologetic than すみません. Often used among friends or when you feel more at fault.
I'm sorry I'm late. (Excuse me for being late.)
Literally 'I'm being rude'. Used when entering a room, interrupting, or doing something that might be slightly impolite. More formal than すみません.
Excuse me. (When entering a room or interrupting)
Well then, excuse me. (I'll be leaving now.)
Used when leaving work before others. Literally 'I'm being rude by leaving before you'.
Excuse me for leaving before you.
Can be used to excuse yourself in casual situations, like leaving a friend's house.
Excuse me, I should be going soon.
Used with rising intonation to mean 'Excuse me?' or 'Pardon?'.
Excuse me, could you say that again?
Very casual 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only use with close friends.
Huh? What did you say?
I'm sorry, I forgot.
For serious mistakes or formal apologies, use 申し訳ありません (もうしわけありません) or 申し訳ございません (もうしわけございません). すみません is too light for such situations.