Apologizing for making someone wait is an essential gesture of politeness in many cultures. In Japanese, expressing sincere apologies is equally crucial, reflecting the values of respect and consideration for others. This guide will provide you with various ways to say sorry for keeping someone waiting in Japanese, including formal and informal expressions. Additionally, we’ll explore examples, regional variations, and offer tips to ensure your apologies are heartfelt and well-received.
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Formal Apologies
When apologizing formally, it is best to use respectful language and honorifics. Here are some phrases you can use:
Sumimasen ga, o-machi itadakimashite môshiwake gozaimasen deshita.
申し訳ありませんが、お待ち頂きまして申し訳ございませんでした。
I’m very sorry for keeping you waiting.
This phrase is a highly polite way to apologize and shows respect towards the listener. The use of the honorific prefix “o-” before “machi” (wait), and the formal ending “gozaimasen deshita” emphasizes the sincerity of your apology.
Taihen o-machi itadaki, môshiwake arimasen deshita.
大変お待ち頂き、申し訳ありませんでした。
I’m terribly sorry for making you wait.
This phrase conveys a deep sense of regret for causing inconvenience due to the lengthy wait. Using “taihen” (terribly) demonstrates the seriousness of the situation and your sincere apology.
Informal Apologies
When apologizing informally, you can use less formal language. Here are some phrases you can use:
Gomen nasai, machi-tsuzukete shimatte môshiwake nai.
ごめんなさい、待ち続けてしまって申し訳ない。
I’m sorry, I kept you waiting.
This informal apology is commonly used among friends and peers. “Gomen nasai” is a casual way to apologize, and “mochi-tsuzukete shimatte” indicates that the waiting continued unintentionally.
Matte-te gomen nasai.
待っててごめんなさい。
I’m sorry for making you wait.
This concise apology expresses regret in a more familiar context. Using the -te form of “matte” (to wait) adds a sense of immediacy and personal connection.
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the above phrases can be used universally, there are some regional variations that may be heard in certain parts of Japan. Here are a few examples:
- Honto ni sumanai kedo, machi-kirenai-janai? (本当にすまないけど、待ちきれないじゃない？)
Ainu region: Hokkaido dialect. This phrase is a local variation, meaning “I really apologize, but couldn’t you wait?” - Yattan, machi-sôna n da. Gomen ne. (やったん、待ちそうなんだ。ごめんね。)
Kansai region: Osaka dialect. This casual phrase means “I’m sorry, it seemed like you were waiting.” - Machinha gomen nêndeyo. (待ちんぼ、ごめんねんでよ。)
Hiroshima region: Hiroshima dialect. This expression apologizes with a local twist, literally meaning “Sorry for making you wait.”
Remember to consider the listener’s age, social status, and the formality of the setting when choosing the appropriate apology. Be mindful that using regional variations outside of their respective areas may not be universally understood, so it’s generally safer to stick to standard Japanese expressions.
In addition to the phrases mentioned, remember to offer a sincere bow, maintain eye contact, and speak with a polite tone to convey the depth of your apology. Non-verbal gestures play a significant role in Japanese culture.
Apologizing sincerely and wholeheartedly demonstrates respect and the desire to rectify any inconvenience caused. With these phrases and cultural tips in mind, you will be able to express your apologies effectively and show your consideration for others in Japanese.
