What does it mean word for word?
The noun part 申し訳 (mōshiwake) means an excuse or a way to explain oneself. The full phrase 申し訳ございません literally translates to "there is no excuse," implying that the speaker's mistake is so great that no explanation is sufficient.
Which one should you use?
申し訳ございません is a much more appropriate choice for expressing deep regret in a serious professional apology to a boss than the common phrase すみません, which is too casual for such a situation. Additionally, 申し訳ありません is a slightly less formal but still professional version of the phrase.
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 suitable for apologizing to a boss, a client or a superior.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create a slightly less formal but still professional version by replacing the very polite ございません with the standard polite ありません, resulting in 申し訳ありません.
How do you pronounce it?
mōshiwake gozaimasen
Did you know?
- In extreme professional failures, a person might use the phrase while performing dogeza, which involves kneeling and bowing until the forehead touches the floor.
- Using 申し訳ございません can sometimes be a strategic social tool called tatemae. It may be used to maintain harmony and smooth over a conflict even if the speaker does not believe they are actually at fault.
- The word 申し訳 (mōshiwake) contains the verb 申す (mōsu), which is a humble form of 'to say'. By using it, the speaker lowers their own status to elevate the boss's position.
Examples in context
- ご迷惑をおかけして、申し訳ございません。Gomeiwaku o okakeshite, mōshiwake gozaimasen.I am deeply sorry for causing you trouble.
- 返信が遅くなり、申し訳ございません。Henshin ga osokunari, mōshiwake gozaimasen.I am very sorry for the delay in my reply.
- ミスをしてしまい、申し訳ございません。Misu o shite shimai, mōshiwake gozaimasen.I am terribly sorry for making a mistake.
Example conversation
Ren is apologizing to Misaki, his manager, for a scheduling error.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、明日の会議の資料はどうなっていますか？Ren-san, ashita no kaigi no shiryō wa dō natte imasu ka?Ren, what is the status of the materials for tomorrow's meeting?
- 蓮 Ren準備が間に合わず、申し訳ございません。Junbi ga maniawazu, mōshiwake gozaimasen.I am deeply sorry that the preparations are not ready in time.
- 美咲 Misakiすぐに終わらせてくださいね。Sugu ni owarasete kudasai ne.Please finish them right away.
- 蓮 Renはい、ただちに作業いたします。Hai, tadachi ni sagyō itashimasu.Yes, I will work on it immediately.
