Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 申し訳ありません | mōshiwake arimasen | [mo̞ːɕiβ̞a̠ke̞ a̠ɾʲima̠sẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) | |
| すみません | sumimasen | [sɨmʲima̠sẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) | |
| すまん | suman | [sɨmã̠ɴ] (narrow) | informal |
The phrase is used to express an apology. The form すみません is the most versatile and frequently used for minor social transgressions or apologies in daily life, and it can also be used to say "excuse me" when you are trying to get someone's attention. Starting an apology with すみません adds politeness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 申し訳ありません literally means "there is no excuse."
Which one should you use?
While すみません is common for everyday apologies, 申し訳ありません is a more formal apology used in business or towards superiors. Another option is Moshiwake gozaimasen, which is a more formal and polite way to apologize.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
申し訳ありません is a formal apology used in business or towards superiors. すみません is more common for everyday apologies. For very casual situations, すまん is a very casual, blunt way to say sorry, typically used by men toward friends or subordinates. Other informal options include Gomen, which is a casual way to say I'm sorry and Gomen ne, which is a softer and more empathetic way to apologize informally.
How do you pronounce it?
mōshiwake arimasen
Did you know?
- The phrase すみません can be used to say 'thank you' when someone does a favor for you that caused them trouble.
- The common apology すみません originates from the idea that a situation or a debt of trouble has not yet 'finished' or been 'settled'.
- When apologizing, Japanese people often accompany the phrase with a bow, and the deeper the bow, the more sincere the apology is perceived to be.
Examples in context
- すみません。I'm sorry.This sentence shows a simple apology using すみません.Tatoeba #408301 by bunbuku, translation #38387 by CK
- あっ、すみません。Oh, I'm sorry.This sentence shows an apologetic reaction using すみません.Tatoeba #3621704 by arnab, translation #1579 by CM
- 遅刻してすみません。I'm sorry about being late.This sentence shows how to apologize for a specific reason, like being late, using すみません.Tatoeba #126671 by small_snow, translation #2544099 by CK
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori apologized to Yota for a mistake at work.
- 陽葵 Himari資料に間違いがありました。申し訳ありません。Shiryo ni machigai ga arimashita. Moushiwake arimasen.There was a mistake in the documents. I'm sorry.
- 陽太 Yota大丈夫だよ。すぐに直してね。Daijoubu dayo. Sugu ni naoshite ne.It's okay. Please fix it quickly.
- 陽葵 Himariはい。本当に申し訳ありません。Hai. Hontou ni moushiwake arimasen.Yes. I am truly sorry.
- 陽太 Yota気にしないで。次は気をつけて。Ki ni shinaide. Tsugi wa ki o tsukete.Don't worry about it. Just be careful next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I'm sorry” translations and entries 申し訳ありません, すみません, すまん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries すまん, すみません, 申し訳ありません, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
