先生、すみません
The English phrase "sorry to teacher" is translated into Japanese as 先生、すみません.
The phrase 先生、すみません is used to get a teacher's attention or to apologize for a small interruption or mistake.
What does it mean word for word?
先生 (sensei) literally means "one who comes before" and is the standard way to address a teacher. The word すみません (sumimasen) is a versatile expression used for both "excuse me" to get attention and "I am sorry" for minor mistakes.
Which one should you use?
While ごめんなさい also means "I'm sorry", it is more personal and less formal than すみません, making it less suitable for a student-teacher relationship in a formal setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are apologizing for something that has already happened, you should use the past tense form すみませんでした.
When do people say it?
Bowing is an essential part of Japanese culture when it comes to showing respect and sincerity.
Did you know?
- The expression すみません can be used as a way to say 'thank you' when someone has gone out of their way to help you.
- The word すみません is derived from a verb meaning 'to finish' or 'to be settled', implying that the apology cannot 'clear' the debt of the mistake.
- While 先生 is used for teachers, you can also address doctors, lawyers, and authors with the same title.
Examples in context
- 先生、すみません、質問があります。Sensei, sumimasen, shitsumon ga arimasu.Excuse me, teacher, I have a question.
- 先生、すみません、遅れました。Sensei, sumimasen, okuremashita.I am sorry, teacher, I am late.
- 先生、すみません、ペンを忘れました。Sensei, sumimasen, pen o wasuremashita.I am sorry, teacher, I forgot my pen.
Example conversation
Yota approaches Misaki, the teacher, in the classroom.
- 陽太 Yota先生、すみません。Sensei, sumimasen.Excuse me, teacher.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、陽太君、どうしましたか？Hai, Yota-kun, dou shimashita ka?Yes, Yota, what is the matter?
- 陽太 Yota宿題を家に忘れてしまいました。Shukudai o ie ni wasurete shimaimashita.I forgot my homework at home.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは大変ですね。Sore wa taihen desu ne.That is too bad.
