邪魔してすみません
jama shite sumimasen
The phrase "sorry for interrupting" in Japanese is 邪魔してすみません (jama shite sumimasen).
This phrase is used when you physically enter someone's space or interrupt their concentration on a task, such as when you disturb someone who is busy or occupied with a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The word すみません is a standard way to say "I am sorry" or "excuse me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make the apology informal and suitable for friends or family by replacing すみません with ごめん to say 邪魔してごめん. Additionally, the phrase お邪魔します is used specifically when entering a private space, meaning "Excuse me for interrupting" or "I am intruding".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the honorific prefix お to 邪魔 (as seen in the form お邪魔してすみません) makes the phrase more polite and is common when apologizing for an intrusion.
How do you pronounce it?
jama shite sumimasen
Did you know?
- The word 邪魔 originally referred to a 'hindrance' or 'obstacle' in Buddhist terminology, describing something that prevents one from achieving enlightenment.
- While すみません is used in the phrase to mean 'sorry', the word literally translates to 'it does not finish' or 'it is not settled', implying that the speaker's feeling of guilt cannot be easily resolved.
- When entering someone's home, it is customary to say お邪魔します even if you were invited, as the act of entering a private space is viewed as a conceptual 'interruption' of the household's peace.
Examples in context
- お邪魔してすみません。I'm sorry for interrupting.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 邪魔してすみません.Tatoeba #4717925 by riumutu, translation #2544097 by CK
- 作業中、邪魔してすみません。Sagyou-chuu, jama shite sumimasen.I am sorry for interrupting while you are working.
- お忙しいところ、邪魔してすみません。O-isogashii tokoro, jama shite sumimasen.I am sorry for interrupting when you are busy.
Example conversation
Misaki approaches Hinata in the office to ask a question.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さん、邪魔してすみません。Hinata-san, jama shite sumimasen.Hinata, sorry for interrupting.
- 陽太 Yotaいえ、どうしたんですか？Iie, dou shita n desu ka?No, what is it?
- 美咲 Misaki少しだけ、相談してもいいですか？Sukoshi dake, soudan shite mo ii desu ka?Can I consult with you for a moment?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、大丈夫ですよ。Hai, daijoubu desu yo.Yes, that is fine.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
