ごめんください

expression

excuse me; may I come in?; hello?

Set phrase said at an entrance or doorway to announce oneself, ask to be let in, or call for someone inside. In English it is often closer to “Excuse me” or “Hello?” than to a literal question.

• ごめんください。どなたかいらっしゃいますか。

  Excuse me. Is anyone there?

• 客きゃくは玄げん関かんで「ごめんください」と声こえをかけた。

  The visitor called out “Excuse me” at the front door.

expression

please forgive me; I'm sorry

Polite request for forgiveness. As an apology it is less common in everyday modern speech than ごめんなさい or 申し訳ありません, and can sound somewhat set or old-fashioned depending on context.

• どうかごめんください。悪わる気ぎはなかったんです。

  Please forgive me. I didn’t mean any harm.