すまない

す

ま

な

い

Common wordJLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

i-adjective

inexcusable; unjustifiable; unpardonable

usually written using kana alone

Describes an act or situation that cannot be excused or justified; often used in negative form すまないこと or すまないと思う.

彼かれのしたことはすまないことだ。
What he did is inexcusable.

2

i-adjective

sorry; remorseful; apologetic

usually written using kana alone

Expresses personal regret or a feeling of being sorry; often used as a casual apology, similar to すみません but more informal and masculine.

遅おくれてすまない。
Sorry I'm late.
迷めい惑わくをかけてすまないと思おもっている。
I feel sorry for causing you trouble.

3

interjection

excuse me; sorry; thank you

usually written using kana alone

Used as a casual interjection for apologizing or expressing gratitude; similar to すみません but more informal and typically used among close friends or by men.