Translation guide
Expressing regret, sympathy, or apology in Japanese depends heavily on the situation and relationship. This guide covers common ways to say you feel sorry, from casual 'my bad' to formal apologies and expressions of sympathy.
The speaker wants to apologize for something they did wrong, from small everyday mistakes to serious offenses.
The most common, general apology. Suitable for everyday mistakes among friends, family, or in casual situations. Can be shortened to ごめん in very casual contexts.
Sorry I'm late.
Sorry, I forgot.
A versatile apology that also means 'excuse me' or 'thank you'. More polite than ごめんなさい, often used with strangers or in service situations. Can express regret for inconvenience caused.
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
A formal, humble apology used in business or serious situations. Shows deep regret. The even more formal version is 申し訳ございません.
I deeply apologize for the inconvenience.
Very casual, mostly used by men. Equivalent to 'my bad' in English. Only among close friends or in informal settings.
My bad, I'm late.
The speaker wants to show they feel sorry for someone's misfortune or sad situation, without taking blame.
Expresses sympathy for someone's hardship or bad luck. Similar to 'I'm sorry to hear that' or 'that's too bad'. Can sound a bit distant or formal.
I'm so sorry to hear that. That must have been tough.
Literally 'that is unfortunate'. Used to express regret about a disappointing situation. Less personal than お気の毒に, more about the situation itself.
Expresses pity or sympathy, often for someone in a pitiful state. Can sound condescending if used inappropriately, so use with care.
Can sound patronizing if directed at someone who doesn't want pity.
Poor thing, crying all alone.
The speaker wants to express a personal feeling of regret about something they did or didn't do, often without directly apologizing to someone.
Means 'I regret (something)'. Used for personal remorse over past actions. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
I regret not telling the truth back then.
Implies self-reflection and acknowledgment of one's fault, often with a sense of wanting to improve. Common in apologies for misconduct.
I'm reflecting on my actions (and feel sorry).
The speaker wants to express condolences or sympathy when someone has died.
Standard expression of condolence. Used when speaking to the bereaved. Literally 'I share your grief'.
Please accept my condolences.
Very formal condolence expression, often used in writing or at funerals.
I offer my deepest condolences.
ごめんなさい is more personal and emotional, used with people you know well. すみません is more polite and can also express gratitude or get attention. In many situations, すみません is safer with strangers or superiors.
Japanese culture values apologies, but overusing strong apologies like 申し訳ありません for small things can sound insincere or overly dramatic. Match the level of apology to the situation.
Bowing is an essential part of apologizing in Japan. A slight bow accompanies casual ごめんなさい, while a deep, prolonged bow is used with 申し訳ありません in formal settings.
You failed the exam? I'm sorry to hear that.