The Japanese are so polite that they end up apologizing for practically anything. Seriously: there are thousands of ways to say sorry in the Japanese language. Today we will explore 23 different ways to apologize — and understand when to use each one of them.
In Japan, the way you apologize depends on the severity of the mistake and the type of relationship you have with the other person. A simple bump on the subway is already a reason for an apology. And the most curious thing? Often, Japanese people apologize even when they haven’t done anything wrong. This says a lot about the culture.
Oh, and it’s worth remembering: literal translations can sound strange — like “I was sad”, “I was rude”, “I’m sorry” or “Forgive me”. But in the Japanese context, these expressions carry a weight and intention very different from the literal translation.
Read also: Sumimasen and Gomennasai – Understand the meaning and differences
Table of Contents
Sumimasen and Shitsurei – Light apologies
Let’s start by looking at two common ways to apologize and their variations and derivations:
Sumimasen [すみません]
It is one of the most common words in Japanese and can function as “excuse me”, “thank you” or “sorry”, depending on the context. When you bump into someone on the street or want to get the attention of a clerk, it’s a great term to use.
Shitsurei [失礼]
Although it translates as “excuse me”, it literally means “rude” or “impolite”. It’s as if you were saying: “I’m going to be inconvenient now, sorry”. It is used when you need to interrupt someone or reach something on the table.
Shikkei [失敬]
It has the same meaning as shitsurei, but is more common among salaried workers. Young people hardly use it. If you hear someone say this, it’s probably in a corporate environment.
Shitsureishimashita [失礼しました]
This is the formal form of shitsurei. Since the verb is in the past tense, it conveys more politeness. It can be used if you spill a drink at a meeting or dinner.
Sumimasen Deshita [すみませんでした]
Past version of sumimasen, used in more serious or formal contexts. For example: if you are caught sleeping in the park during working hours, it’s better to use this one.
Suimasen [すいません] and Sunmasen [すんません]
They are informal and regional variations of sumimasen, common in everyday life, especially among young people.
Sumimasen en [すみま千円]
A joke that mixes “sumimasen” with “1000 yen” (千円). Used humorously to apologize lightly and jokingly.
Using Gomen to apologize in Japanese
Gomen [ごめん]
Super informal, ideal for use with friends or family. It is a shortened form of gomenasai. Arrived 5 minutes late to the hangout? Gomen is great.
Gomen ne [ごめんね]
Adding “ne” gives a lighter and even affectionate tone. It sounds more feminine, so it is common among girls and women.
Gomenasai [ごめんなさい]
It literally means “I’m sorry”. It’s a bit more formal, but still should not be used with superiors. Better to save it for situations with friends or colleagues.
Sumanai [済まない]
It carries a heavier weight: it can express remorse, regret, or gratitude. The informal form “Suman” [すまん] is used more by men, like a “my bad”.
Formal ways to say sorry in Japanese
Moushiwake gozaimasen deshita [申し訳ございませんでした]
Used when the mistake is serious. Imagine a CEO apologizing for a company scandal — it’s that level of formality.
Moushiwake arimasen deshita [申し訳ありませんでした]
Even more polite. Ideal for very serious situations, such as a mistake that caused damage or affected many people.
Makoto ni moushiwake gozaimasen deshita [誠に申し訳ございませんでした]
Almost a poetic apology. Something worthy of a dishonored samurai. Fell in love with the shogun’s daughter? This is the right phrase.
Other ways to apologize in Japanese
Owabishimasu [お詫びします]
It literally means “I apologize”. It can be used in corporate environments or in public statements.
Fukaku owabi itashimasu [深くお詫びいたします]
Even more formal. It conveys a deep and sincere apology.
Kokorokara owabi moushiagemasu [心からお詫び申し上げます]
Expresses an apology from the bottom of the heart. Something a manager might say when taking responsibility for a serious failure.
Ainiku [生憎]
Means “unfortunately”, but depending on the sentence, it can also subtly indicate apologies. It usually comes in longer sentences.
Saasen [サーセン]
Super informal slang based on “sumimasen”. You might hear this among teenagers or in online jokes.
Osoreiru [恐れ入る]
Can be understood as “to beg for forgiveness” or “to deeply regret”. The word also has the nuance of “to feel embarrassed or fearful”.
Soorii [ソーリー]
Japanese version of the English “Sorry”. Common among young people or in very informal contexts.
Ekusukyuiizumii [エクスキューズミー]
Derived from the English “Excuse me”. Frequently used by those who want to sound modern or are trying to communicate with foreigners.
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