Translation guide
How to express being apologetic in Japanese, from casual sorry to formal apologies, including tone, body language, and common phrases.
Saying sorry in everyday, informal situations.
Casual 'sorry'. Used among friends, family, or close colleagues. Can sound too informal in polite settings.
遅れてごめん。
Sorry I'm late.
Softer, more friendly version of ごめん. Often used by women or when seeking forgiveness gently.
忘れちゃってごめんね。
Sorry I forgot.
Very casual, masculine 'my bad'. Used among close male friends. Can sound rough.
悪い、待たせた。
My bad, kept you waiting.
Standard polite apology for everyday situations with strangers, colleagues, or in service contexts.
Versatile polite apology. Also used to get attention, express gratitude, or excuse oneself. The go-to phrase for minor mistakes.
すみません、間違えました。
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
Formal apology, stronger than すみません. Used in business or when you have caused serious inconvenience. Can be shortened to 申し訳ないです in less formal settings.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
Expressing deep regret in formal or serious situations, such as business mistakes or public apologies.
Very formal and humble apology. Standard in customer service and official statements. Shows deep remorse.
この度はご不便をおかけし、申し訳ございません。
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused this time.
Very formal expression meaning 'I apologize'. Often used in written apologies or official speeches.
心よりお詫び申し上げます。
I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart.
Formal 'I apologize'. Used in very serious contexts, like corporate scandals. Sounds stiff and official.
深く謝罪いたします。
I deeply apologize.
Describing someone's apologetic demeanor or feeling sorry without directly saying 'sorry'.
Adjective meaning 'looking apologetic'. Describes a person's expression or attitude.
彼は申し訳なさそうにうつむいた。
He hung his head apologetically.
Casual version of 'looking sorry'. From すまない (casual apology).
すまなそうな顔をしてるね。
You look apologetic.
Formal expression of feeling sorry and grateful at the same time. Implies 'I'm sorry to trouble you' or 'I feel bad for causing you trouble'.
わざわざ来ていただいて恐縮です。
I'm very sorry to have you come all this way (and grateful).
Softening a refusal or expressing regret when unable to comply.
Polite way to preface a refusal or bad news. 'I'm sorry, but...'
申し訳ないのですが、今日は行けません。
I'm sorry, but I can't go today.
Means 'unfortunately' and carries an apologetic tone. Used in business or polite conversation.
あいにくですが、在庫がございません。
Unfortunately, we are out of stock.
すみません is more versatile and can be used for minor inconveniences, getting attention, or thanking. ごめんなさい is a more personal apology, often used when you feel emotionally sorry. In very casual settings, ごめん is common.
すみません、駅はどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the station? (not an apology)
ごめんなさい、泣かないで。
I'm sorry, don't cry.
Japanese culture often expects apologies, but using overly formal phrases in casual settings can create distance. Match the level of apology to the situation and relationship.
Bowing is an essential part of apologizing in Japan. A slight nod accompanies casual すみません, while a deep bow is used with 申し訳ございません. The depth and duration of the bow reflect sincerity.
Polite apology, slightly more personal than すみません. Often used when you feel genuinely sorry, but still appropriate in many polite contexts.
ごめんなさい、許してください。
I'm sorry, please forgive me.