Translation guide
How to say 'excuse me!' in Japanese depends on the situation: getting attention, apologizing, leaving, or entering. The most common word is すみません, but other expressions are used for specific contexts.
You want to call a waiter, ask a stranger for directions, or start a conversation.
The most common and versatile way to say 'excuse me' to get attention. Polite and safe in almost any situation.
すみません、駅はどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the station?
A slightly softer, more casual way to get someone's attention. 'ちょっと' adds a sense of 'just a moment'.
ちょっとすみません、これいくらですか？
Excuse me, how much is this?
A hesitation sound used to get attention politely, similar to 'uhm, excuse me'. Often used before すみません.
あのう、すみません。
Uhm, excuse me.
You bumped into someone, need to pass through, or made a small error.
Used for light apologies. It's the go-to phrase for everyday 'excuse me' or 'sorry'.
すみません、ちょっと通ります。
Excuse me, I'm coming through.
Literally 'I'm being rude'. Used when entering a room, interrupting, or doing something that might be slightly impolite. More formal than すみません.
失礼します。
Excuse me. (When entering a room or interrupting)
You need to leave a meeting, hang up the phone, or excuse yourself from a social setting.
Standard phrase when leaving a formal or semi-formal situation. Also used when hanging up the phone.
では、失礼します。
Well then, excuse me. (I'll be leaving now.)
Used when leaving work before others. Literally 'I'm being rude by leaving before you'.
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving before you.
Can be used to excuse yourself in casual situations, like leaving a friend's house.
You didn't hear or understand what someone said.
Used with rising intonation to mean 'Excuse me?' or 'Pardon?'.
すみません、もう一度お願いします。
Excuse me, could you say that again?
Very casual 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only use with close friends.
え？何て言った？
Huh? What did you say?
すみません is more versatile and can be used for both getting attention and light apologies. ごめんなさい is a more direct apology and can sound childish or overly familiar in formal settings. Use すみません when in doubt.
すみません、道を教えてください。
Excuse me, please tell me the way.
ごめんなさい、忘れました。
I'm sorry, I forgot.
For serious mistakes or formal apologies, use 申し訳ありません (もうしわけありません) or 申し訳ございません (もうしわけございません). すみません is too light for such situations.
More explicitly apologetic than すみません. Often used among friends or when you feel more at fault.
ごめんなさい、遅れました。
I'm sorry I'm late. (Excuse me for being late.)
すみません、そろそろ帰ります。
Excuse me, I should be going soon.