Translation guide
The English word 'pardon' has several distinct uses: asking for repetition, apologizing, excusing oneself, and legal forgiveness. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each situation, from casual to formal.
Pardon me (apology)
Pardon me (getting attention)
You didn't hear or understand what someone said and want them to repeat it.
A versatile phrase meaning 'excuse me' or 'sorry'. When said with rising intonation, it politely asks for repetition. Suitable for most everyday situations.
Pardon? Could you say that again?
A casual interjection like 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Use only with close friends or family; can sound blunt otherwise.
Huh? What did you say?
Literally 'yes?', but with rising intonation it means 'Pardon?'. Polite and common in service situations.
Pardon? I didn't catch what you said.
A direct request: 'Once more, please.' Very polite, but less common in casual speech.
You want to say sorry for a small error, like bumping into someone or a social faux pas.
You want to get someone's attention, pass by, or interrupt politely.
Official forgiveness for a crime, or the act of forgiving someone.
The legal term for a pardon granted by the state. Used in formal contexts.
すみません is the most versatile, used for apologies, getting attention, and thanks. ごめんなさい is a straightforward apology, more casual. 失礼します is formal and used for excusing oneself from a situation or for minor breaches of etiquette.
Pardon me, could you tell me the way?
I'm sorry, could you please repeat that?
The go-to apology for everyday minor offenses. Slightly more polite than ごめんなさい.
Pardon me, I bumped into you.
A standard apology, slightly more casual than すみません. Common among friends and in informal settings.
Pardon me for being late.
A formal apology for a breach of etiquette, like interrupting or leaving early. Literally 'I was rude.'
Pardon me, I'll be leaving now.
Used to get attention or excuse oneself, like 'Excuse me' in English. Works in shops, on the street, or when interrupting.
Pardon me, where is the station?
Polite phrase when entering a room, interrupting, or passing in front of someone. More formal than すみません.
Pardon me, I'm just passing through.
A softer, more casual way to get attention or excuse yourself. 'ちょっと' adds a sense of 'just a moment'.
Pardon me, how much is this?
He was granted a pardon and released.
Another legal term for pardon or amnesty. Often used in compound words.
A general pardon was granted.
General word for forgiveness, not specifically legal. Can be used for personal forgiveness.
He asked for God's pardon.
Sorry, I forgot.
Pardon me, I'll be leaving now.
The English loanword パードン (pādon) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It might be understood in very specific contexts, but it's not a standard way to say 'pardon me'. Stick to the Japanese phrases above.