Translation guide
How to say 'pardon me' in Japanese, covering apologies, getting attention, asking for repetition, and polite interruptions.
The speaker wants to apologize for a small error, bumping into someone, or entering a room.
The most common and versatile apology for minor offenses. Can also be used to get attention or express gratitude.
すみません、遅れました。
Pardon me, I'm late.
あ、すみません。
Oh, pardon me.
A slightly more personal apology, often used among friends or in casual situations. Less formal than すみません.
ごめんなさい、ちょっとぶつかりました。
Pardon me, I bumped into you a bit.
Literally 'I'm being rude.' Used when entering or leaving a room, or when interrupting someone. More formal than すみません.
失礼します。
Pardon me (upon entering a room).
The speaker wants to politely call out to a stranger or service person to ask a question or make a request.
The standard way to get attention in shops, restaurants, or on the street. Equivalent to 'Excuse me.'
すみません、駅はどこですか？
Pardon me, where is the station?
すみません、注文お願いします。
Pardon me, I'd like to order.
A slightly softer, more hesitant way to get attention. 'ちょっと' adds a nuance of 'just a moment.'
ちょっとすみません、道を教えていただけますか？
Pardon me, could you tell me the way?
The speaker didn't hear or understand and wants the other person to say it again.
Polite and clear. 'もう一度' means 'once more.'
すみません、もう一度お願いします。
Pardon me, could you say that again?
Very casual, like 'Huh?' Use only with close friends or family. Not polite.
え？何て言った？
Huh? What did you say?
Literally 'I couldn't hear you.' A polite way to indicate you didn't catch what was said.
すみません、聞こえませんでした。
Pardon me, I didn't hear you.
The speaker needs to interrupt or excuse themselves from a conversation or meeting.
Used when leaving a room, ending a phone call, or interrupting a superior. Formal and polite.
お先に失礼します。
Pardon me, I'll be leaving first.
A softer way to interrupt or leave, combining apology and formality.
すみません、ちょっと失礼します。
Pardon me, I'll excuse myself for a moment.
The speaker needs to move past someone or reach across them and wants to be polite.
Literally 'Excuse me, I'm passing through.' Common in crowded places.
すみません、通ります。
Pardon me, coming through.
Used when reaching for something near someone, like on a table. 'ちょっと' softens the intrusion.
ちょっと失礼します。
Pardon me (reaching across).
すみません is the most versatile and can be used for apologies, thanks, and getting attention. ごめんなさい is more personal and casual, often used among friends. 失礼します is formal and used for entering/leaving or interrupting. In many situations, すみません is the safest choice.
すみません、お待たせしました。
Pardon me for keeping you waiting.
ごめんなさい、忘れちゃった。
Sorry, I forgot.
失礼します。
Pardon me (leaving).
English 'pardon me' can sound overly formal or old-fashioned in Japanese if translated literally. Stick to the natural phrases above. Using 'パードン' (paadon) is not common and may cause confusion.