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すみません Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N4 Freq. Frequency Top 2,000 Meanings 1
expression, interjection
excuse me ; I'm sorry
usually written using kana alone polite (teineigo)
Polite expression used to apologize, get someone's attention, or when interrupting. Very common in daily conversation.
I'm sorry for being late.
2
expression, interjection
thank you ; you shouldn't have
usually written using kana alone polite (teineigo)
Used to express gratitude, often when receiving a gift or favor, with a nuance of apology for the trouble caused. Equivalent to 'thank you' or 'you shouldn't have'.
Kanji 済 settle (debt, etc.), relieve (burden), finish Similar words ごめんなさい More casual and direct apology; すみません is politer and also used for getting attention or expressing thanks.
申もう し 訳わけ ありません Formal and deep apology; すみません is lighter and more versatile.
ありがとう Direct 'thank you'; すみません adds a sense of apology for the trouble, making it more humble.
Etymology Derived from the negative form of 済む (sumu, 'to finish' or 'to be settled'), literally meaning 'it is not settled' or 'my feelings are not at ease', which developed into an apologetic and grateful expression.
