What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the noun 申し訳, which literally means an excuse or an explanation and ございません, which means does not exist. Together, the expression literally translates to "there is no excuse".
Which one should you use?
While すみません is a standard polite way to say "I'm sorry" or "excuse me", 申し訳ございません is much more formal and carries significantly more weight. If you are specifically apologizing for disturbing or interrupting someone, you might use 失礼します instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
申し訳ございません is a highly formal expression. It is appropriate for professional business settings or when you are speaking to customers.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are apologizing for a mistake that has already been completed or for something that occurred in the past, you should use the past tense form 申し訳ございませんでした.
How do you pronounce it?
moushiwake gozaimasen
Did you know?
- The phrase can be used as a way to decline a request extremely politely, essentially saying 'there is no way for me to satisfy your request'.
- When written in formal emails, 申し訳ございません is often accompanied by the word 恐縮 which expresses that the speaker feels 'shrunken' or humbled by the situation.
- Using 申し訳ございません to a close friend or family member can actually be seen as cold or sarcastic because the extreme formality creates a social distance.
Examples in context
- ご迷惑をおかけして、申し訳ございません。Go-meiwaku o okake shite, moushiwake gozaimasen.I am very sorry for causing you trouble.
- 返信が遅くなり、申し訳ございません。Henshin ga osoku nari, moushiwake gozaimasen.I am deeply sorry for the late reply.
- 準備が間に合わず、申し訳ございません。Junbi ga maniawazu, moushiwake gozaimasen.I am very sorry that the preparations were not ready in time.
Example conversation
A customer is complaining to a staff member at a hotel about a room error.
- 大翔 Hiroto予約の内容が間違っているのですが。Yoyaku no naiyou ga machigatte iru no desu ga.There is a mistake in my reservation details.
- 美咲 Misaki大変申し訳ございません。すぐに確認いたします。Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen. Sugu ni kakunin itashimasu.I am very sorry. I will check it immediately.
- 大翔 Hiroto早く対応してください。Hayaku taiou shite kudasai.Please handle this quickly.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、すぐに対応いたします。Hai, sugu ni taiou itashimasu.Yes, I will handle it right away.
