Translation guide
A phrase used to politely interrupt, get someone's attention, or preface a request, question, or disagreement. Japanese equivalents vary by situation and level of politeness.
Politely getting someone's attention or interrupting them before speaking.
The most common and versatile phrase for 'Excuse me' in many situations. Can be used to get attention, apologize lightly, or start a request.
すみません、駅はどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the station?
A hesitation sound used to get attention or start speaking, similar to 'Um' or 'Excuse me'. Often combined with すみません.
あのう、すみません。
Um, excuse me.
A slightly more casual way to get attention, literally 'a little excuse me'. Used when you need to interrupt briefly.
ちょっとすみません、通ります。
Excuse me, coming through.
Softening a request or question to make it more polite.
Literally 'I'm sorry, but...'. A standard polite way to preface a request or question. The が softens the interruption.
すみませんが、塩を取っていただけますか。
Excuse me, but could you pass the salt?
A very polite and formal phrase, often used in business or customer service. Literally 'I'm afraid, but...'.
恐れ入りますが、お名前をお聞かせください。
Excuse me, but may I have your name?
Very formal and apologetic, used when the request might cause inconvenience. Literally 'I have no excuse, but...'.
申し訳ありませんが、もう一度お願いできますか。
Excuse me, but could you say that again?
Politely introducing a differing opinion or correcting someone.
Also used before disagreeing or correcting. The tone and context make the intent clear.
すみませんが、それは違うと思います。
Excuse me, but I think that's wrong.
Literally 'It's rude, but...'. Used before saying something that might be impolite or direct, like a correction or personal question.
失礼ですが、どちら様ですか。
Excuse me, but who are you?
Very formal and humble, used to respectfully contradict a superior. Literally 'Regarding your words, but...'.
お言葉ですが、それは事実と異なります。
Excuse me, but that is not factual.
すみません alone can be used to get attention or apologize. Adding が (but) explicitly connects it to a following request or statement, making it slightly more polite and formal.
すみません、トイレはどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
すみませんが、トイレはどこですか。
Excuse me, but where is the bathroom?
English 'Excuse me, but...' often sounds confrontational if translated literally into Japanese. Use the phrases above to soften the tone. In many cases, simply starting with あのう or すみません is enough.
あのう、ちょっとお聞きしたいんですが。
Excuse me, I'd like to ask you something.
あのう、ちょっとお聞きしたいんですが。
Excuse me, I'd like to ask you something.