Translation guide
How to apologize in Japanese, ranging from casual to formal, and including written and spoken expressions.
To say 'my apologies' in a casual, everyday situation among friends or peers.
Very common casual apology. Used among friends, family, or close colleagues.
遅れてごめん。
Sorry I'm late.
Slightly more polite than ごめん, but still casual. Often used by children or in light apologies.
ごめんなさい、忘れちゃった。
Sorry, I forgot.
Very casual, mainly used by men. Literally means 'my bad'.
悪い、ちょっと手伝ってくれない？
Sorry, can you help me a bit?
To say 'my apologies' in a polite, standard way suitable for most social situations.
The most versatile polite apology. Also used to get attention or express thanks.
すみません、お待たせしました。
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
A more formal and humble apology than すみません. Often used in business.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Used for minor breaches of etiquette, like interrupting or leaving early. Literally 'I was rude'.
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
To express 'my apologies' in formal writing, business emails, or official statements.
Very formal apology, often used in business letters or official announcements.
この度はご迷惑をおかけし、深くお詫び申し上げます。
We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused this time.
The most humble form of 申し訳ありません. Used in very formal spoken or written contexts.
ご期待に添えず、申し訳ございません。
We apologize for not meeting your expectations.
To express a heartfelt or profound apology, often for serious matters.
When said with sincerity, this can be a deep apology in personal relationships.
本当にごめんなさい。許してください。
I'm truly sorry. Please forgive me.
Literally 'I apologize'. Used in formal apologies, often in public statements.
心から謝罪します。
I sincerely apologize.
すみません is more polite and can be used with strangers or superiors. ごめんなさい is more personal and often used among friends or when you have a closer relationship. In formal settings, prefer すみません or 申し訳ありません.
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、約束を忘れてた。
Sorry, I forgot our promise.
The English phrase 'my apologies' is often used as a formal alternative to 'I'm sorry'. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent that works in all contexts. Instead, choose the appropriate apology expression based on formality and relationship.