How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in Japanese
すみません
すみません
💬 Usage Tip: Useful for getting a waiter's attention.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Politeness is key in Japan; use this frequently.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
すみすみ
[sumi]
corner
Refers to a 'corner', could be used in context like 'the corner of a room'.
部屋のすみで本を読んでいます。
I am reading a book in the corner of the room.
ませませ
[mase]
not
An ending part of a verb in polite negative form.
今日は行きませ。
I am not going today.
んん
[n]
not
Part of the negative form of verbs.
行かないんです。
I am not going.
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