How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in Japanese
すみません
すみません
💬 Usage Tip: Used to get attention politely, like 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry'.
🇯🇵 In Japan: A versatile phrase. Used to apologize or politely catch someone's attention.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
すみすみ
[sumi]
excuse me/sorry
A polite way to get someone's attention or apologize.
すみません、予約をキャンセルしたいです。
Excuse me, I would like to cancel the reservation.
ませませ
[mase]
polite negative
Part of a phrase that forms a polite negative.
それはできません。
I can't do that.
んん
[n]
politeness marker
Ends sentences to show politeness.
行きません。
I will not go.
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