Giving apologies is an essential aspect of communication, and it’s important to know how to express regret when you miss someone’s call. In Japanese culture, demonstrating politeness and respect is highly valued, so it’s crucial to be familiar with both formal and informal expressions. This guide will provide you with various phrases, tips, and examples to apologize for missing a call in Japanese.
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Formal Apologies
When apologizing formally in Japanese, it’s essential to use honorific language and polite expressions to show respect. Here are a few phrases you can use:
- 申し訳ございません、お電話を失礼いたしました。
Mōshiwake gozaimasen, odenwa o shitsurei itashimashita.
I sincerely apologize for the rudeness of missing your call.
- 大変申し訳ありません。お電話に出られず、申し訳ございませんでした。
Taihen moushiwake arimasen. Odenwa ni derarezu, moushiwake gozaimasen deshita.
I am extremely sorry that I couldn’t answer your call.
- お電話をいただきましたが、申し訳ございませんでした。
Odenwa o itadakimashita ga, moushiwake gozaimasen deshita.
Thank you for calling, but I am sorry for the inconvenience caused.
Remember to replace “お電話” (odenwa) with the appropriate honorific term, such as the person’s name or their title, if you know it.
Informal Apologies
When apologizing in an informal context, you can use less formal language and expressions. However, keep in mind the level of familiarity with the person you are apologizing to. Here are some options you can consider:
- ごめんなさい、電話に出れなかった。
Gomen nasai, denwa ni derenakatta.
I’m sorry, I couldn’t answer the phone.
- すみません、電話に出られなかった。
Sumimasen, denwa ni derarenakatta.
Sorry, I couldn’t pick up the phone.
- ごめん、電話にでられなかったんだ。
Gomen, denwa ni derarenakattanda.
Sorry, I couldn’t answer the call.
Remember to adjust the level of informality based on the relationship you have with the person you are apologizing to.
Additional Tips
While knowing the appropriate phrases is crucial, here are some additional tips to enhance your apologies in Japanese:
- Timing: Try to respond as promptly as possible. Apologizing without delay demonstrates sincerity.
- Polite Introductions: Begin your apology with greetings such as “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa) for general situations or “お疲れ様です” (Otsukaresama desu) to acknowledge their efforts.
- Appreciation: Express gratitude for the call or their attempt to contact you. For example, use “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu) to say “Thank you.”
- Explanations: If appropriate, provide a brief reason for why you missed the call, but avoid excessive explanations or excuses.
Examples
To help you fully understand these phrases and their usage, here are a few examples of how to say sorry for missing a call in Japanese:
Example 1:
Caller: もしもし、田中さんの所ですか？ (Moshi moshi, Tanaka-san no tokoro desu ka?)
You: お待たせして申し訳ありません、電車が遅れました。(Omatsuseshite moushiwake arimasen, densha ga okuremashita.)Translation:
Caller: Hello, is this Mr. Tanaka’s place?
You: I’m sorry for keeping you waiting; the train was delayed.
Example 2:
Caller: もしもし、山田さんですか？ (Moshi moshi, Yamada-san desu ka?)
You: すみません、ちょっと外出中でしたので、電話に出られなかったんです。(Sumimasen, chotto gaishutsu-chuu deshita node, denwa ni derarenakattan desu.)Translation:
Caller: Hello, is this Mr. Yamada?
You: I’m sorry, I couldn’t answer the call as I was out for a moment.
Remember to adjust these examples based on your specific situation and the level of politeness you wish to convey.
Now armed with both formal and informal expressions, along with additional tips and examples, you can confidently apologize for missing someone’s call in Japanese. Remember that conveying sincerity and respect is key in Japanese culture, even when apologizing in less formal situations. Practice these phrases, and they will surely come in handy in your future interactions.
