How to Say ‘Sorry/Excuse me’ in Japanese
すみません
すみません
💬 Usage Tip: Use this for apologies or to get someone's attention.
🇯🇵 In Japan: [すみません] (soo-mee-mah-sen) is versatile and shows politeness in many contexts.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
すみすみ
[sumi]
Excuse me
Used to get someone's attention or apologize.
駅で道を尋ねようとすみませんと言いました。
I said excuse me to ask for directions at the station.
ませませ
[mase]
not
Part of sumimasen for excuse me.
駅で道を尋ねようとすみませんと言いました。
I said excuse me to ask for directions at the station.
んん
[n]
end
Conclusion of the phrase for excuse me.
駅で道を尋ねようとすみませんと言いました。
I said excuse me to ask for directions at the station.
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