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 |
These phrases are used to express regret or to apologize. すみません is a versatile phrase that functions both as 'I'm sorry' and 'excuse me,' such as when you bump into someone or need to pass through a crowd. 申し訳ありません is used to emphasize a deeper sense of remorse and is appropriate for more serious or grave situations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 申し訳ありません literally translates to 'there is no excuse' or 'I have no excuse.'
Which one should you use?
While すみません is a common and versatile way to apologize in everyday life, 申し訳ありません is a more formal apology. すみません can also be used to get someone's attention, similar to 'excuse me' in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies significantly between these forms. 申し訳ありません is a formal apology suitable for business or when speaking to superiors. すみません is a polite, standard form used for everyday apologies. In contrast, すまん is a very casual and blunt way to say sorry, typically used by men toward friends or subordinates.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form すみません is the polite version of the word. If you are apologizing for something that has already happened, the past tense version すみませんでした is used.
How do you pronounce it?
mōshiwake arimasen
Did you know?
- The phrase すみません is often used to say 'thank you' when someone has gone out of their way to help you. In this context, it acknowledges the trouble the other person took, effectively meaning 'I am sorry for the inconvenience you suffered for my sake'.
- The word 'sumu' in すみません refers to the idea of something reaching a state of completion or resolution, making the apology a way of acknowledging an unresolved social debt.
- In highly formal Japanese business culture, 申し訳ありません is often accompanied by a deep bow. The lower the bow and the longer it is held, the more sincere the apology is perceived to be.
Examples in context
- すみません。I'm sorry.This sentence is useful for 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 how to use すみません when reacting to something unexpectedly.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 demonstrates using すみません to apologize for a specific action like being late.Tatoeba #126671 by small_snow, translation #2544099 by CK
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren apologizes to Yui for a mistake at work.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さん、この資料に間違いがあります。Ren-san, kono shiryou ni machigai ga arimasu.Ren, there is a mistake in this document.
- 蓮 Ren申し訳ありません、すぐに直します。Moushiwake arimasen, sugu ni naoshimasu.I am sorry, I will fix it immediately.
- 結衣 Yui次は気をつけてくださいね。Tsugi wa ki o tsukete kudasai ne.Please be careful next time.
- 蓮 Renはい、以後気をつけます。Hai, igo ki o tsukemasu.Yes, I will be careful from now on.
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.
