How to Say ‘I'm sorry’ in Japanese
申し訳ありません
もうしわけありません
💬 Usage Tip: Use to politely express regret or inconvenience.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Common in customer service scenarios.
Phrase Breakdown
申し訳
ありません
Word-by-Word Breakdown
申し訳もうしわけ
[moushiwake]
Excuse
Used in formal apologies to express regret.
申し訳ありませんが、お席は満席です。
I am sorry, but the seats are full.
ありあり
[ari]
To exist
Indicating presence or existence.
空いている席がありますか？
Is there an available seat?
ませませ
[mase]
Negative verb ending
Used to negate a verb, making it negative.
食べませんでした。
I did not eat.
んん
[n]
Negative verb ending
Used at the end of verbs to cancel their action.
行きません。
I will not go.
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