Translation guide
How to apologize, ask for repetition, or express polite disagreement in Japanese, depending on the situation.
The speaker wants to say sorry for a small error, bumping into someone, or interrupting.
The most common, all-purpose apology. Used for minor mistakes, getting someone's attention, or expressing light regret.
すみません、ちょっと通してください。
I beg your pardon, please let me through.
A slightly more personal apology, often used among friends or in casual situations. Can sound a bit childish in formal settings.
ごめんなさい、遅れました。
I beg your pardon, I'm late.
A more formal apology, suitable for business or when you've committed a social faux pas. Literally 'I was rude'.
失礼しました。お先に失礼します。
I beg your pardon. I'll be leaving now.
The speaker didn't hear or understand and wants the other person to say it again.
Polite and clear way to ask for repetition. Combines 'excuse me' with 'once more, please'.
すみません、もう一度お願いします。
I beg your pardon? Could you say that again?
Very casual interjection meaning 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only for close friends or informal situations. Can be rude otherwise.
え？何て言ったの？
Huh? What did you say?
Very formal apology for not catching what was said. Used in business or with superiors.
申し訳ありません、聞き取れませんでした。もう一度お願いできますか。
I beg your pardon, I didn't catch that. Could you please repeat it?
The speaker is shocked or politely disagrees with what was said, similar to 'Excuse me?' in English.
Literally 'please wait a moment', used to express disbelief or to pause a conversation when something unexpected is said.
ちょっと待ってください。それは違いますよ。
I beg your pardon? That's not right.
Sharp interjection showing surprise or disbelief. More emphatic than え？.
えっ？本当ですか？
I beg your pardon? Really?
A formal preface to a polite disagreement, like 'With all due respect' or 'I beg your pardon, but...'.
失礼ですが、その点については同意できません。
I beg your pardon, but I cannot agree on that point.
The English phrase 'I beg your pardon' has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. The appropriate expression depends entirely on the situation: apologizing, asking for repetition, or expressing polite disagreement. Using a literal translation like 許しを請う (yurushi o kou) would sound archaic and bizarre.
すみません is more versatile and socially safe. It can be used with strangers, in shops, or at work. ごめんなさい feels more personal and is often used among family and close friends. In formal business settings, 失礼しました or 申し訳ありません are preferred.