Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

相済みません (あいすみません) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

相あい済すみません

Meanings

1

expression

I am very sorry; please forgive me

polite (teineigo)

A very formal, polite apology. Stronger and more deferential than すみません. Often used in business or formal letters.

See also: 相済む · 相済まない

ご迷めい惑わくをおかけして相あい済すみません。
I am very sorry for causing you trouble.
返へん信しんが遅おそくなり、相あい済すみませんでした。
I apologize for the late reply.

Kanji

相inter-, mutual, together
済settle (debt, etc.), relieve (burden), finish

Similar words

すみません
Standard polite apology, less formal than 相済みません. Used in everyday situations.
申もうし訳わけありません
Another very formal apology, often interchangeable with 相済みません, but 相済みません can sound slightly more old-fashioned or stiff.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 相済む (あいすむ), meaning 'to be settled' or 'to be excused', with the negative polite form ません. The prefix 相 adds a sense of mutual completion or thoroughness.