Saying “excuse me” is an essential phrase in any language, as it allows us to politely get someone’s attention or ask for assistance. In Japanese, there are different expressions for saying “excuse me” depending on the level of politeness or formality you wish to convey. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of saying “excuse me” in Japanese, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.
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Saying “Excuse Me” Formally
When you want to say “excuse me” in a formal setting or to show respect to someone, the phrase “sumimasen” (すみません) is commonly used. Sumimasen can be translated as “excuse me” or “I’m sorry,” and it is a versatile term in Japanese etiquette.
Here are some situations where you can use “sumimasen” formally:
- Getting someone’s attention: Sumimasen, shitsurei desu ga (すみません、失礼ですが) – Excuse me, but…
- Apologizing: Sumimasen, okurete gomen nasai (すみません、遅れてごめんなさい) – Excuse me for being late.
- Requesting assistance: Sumimasen, chotto o-tasukete kudasai (すみません、ちょっとお助けてください) – Excuse me, could you help me a little?
Remember to bow slightly when saying “sumimasen” in a formal context to show respect.
Saying “Excuse Me” Informally
In more casual situations or when talking to friends, family, or peers, you can use a more relaxed expression for “excuse me.” The term “gomen” (ごめん) is commonly used among friends and in informal settings. However, note that it may come across as too familiar or impolite in formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status.
Here are a few examples of how to use “gomen” informally:
- Getting someone’s attention: Gomen, chotto matte (ごめん、ちょっと待って) – Excuse me, wait a moment.
- Apologizing: Gomen, zenzen wasurechatta (ごめん、全然忘れちゃった) – Sorry, I totally forgot.
- Requesting assistance: Gomen, chotto tasukete kuremasen ka? (ごめん、ちょっと助けてくれませんか？) – Excuse me, could you help me for a moment?
Be mindful of the level of formality with whom you are interacting and choose the appropriate phrase accordingly.
Regional Variations
Japanese has several regional dialects, each with its unique vocabulary and expressions. While the general phrases mentioned above can be understood throughout Japan, it’s worth noting some variations across regions.
In the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people commonly use the term “yatteru” (やってる) instead of “sumimasen” for saying “excuse me.” In the Tohoku region, which includes cities like Sendai, the term “ibenki” (いべんき) is often used as an alternative to “sumimasen.”
Regional variations add flavor to the language, but they are not commonly used in standard Japanese. Feel free to explore these variations if you have an interest, but for most practical purposes, sticking to “sumimasen” or “gomen” will suffice.
Tip: When unsure about the appropriate phrase to use, it’s generally safer to choose “sumimasen” as it is considered polite and suitable for various situations.
Understanding how to say “excuse me” in Japanese, both formally and informally, opens up opportunities for polite interactions and demonstrates cultural awareness. Remember to pay attention to the context, the level of formality, and the relationship between you and the person you are speaking to. Practicing these phrases will contribute to building positive connections and etiquette when communicating in Japanese.
