How to Say Sorry in Japanese: Formal & Informal Ways

Knowing how to say “sorry” in Japanese is especially crucial because Japan has been regarded as one of the most respectful cultures in the world. The culture is centered around understanding and compassion. For this reason, understanding how to apologize properly in various settings would be of great significance.

This article discusses the varying nuances of the Japanese language and how to understand and utilize it when saying “sorry” in Japanese. This article will also help first-time learners of the Japanese language as well as those who simply want to brush up on their skills. For those seeking more than just the ability to apologize in Japanese, AmazingTalker offers well-rounded Japanese courses by professionally trained tutors.

Table of Contents

How to Say Sorry in Japanese: Informal situations

Japanese can often be thought of one of the most formal languages. Although there is a high regard for being proper within the culture not everything is as formal as we may imagine. Let’s look into some of the more relaxed, casual ways one could apologize in a social setting; around friends or family. 

1. ごめんなさい – Gomen – Sorry

One of the most commonly used words, this is perfect for use with friends or family. If you’re running late to an event or meeting with friends, one could say:

遅くなってごめんなさい – Osoku natte gomen’nasai 

I’m sorry I’m late

2. 本当に申し訳ない – Hontōni mōshiwakenai – I am so sorry

A more heartfelt version of the above apology. This could be used when you’ve made a mistake with a romantic partner or a really close friend.

 気持ちを傷つけてごめんなさい – Kimochi o kizutsukete gomen’nasai

I am so sorry that I hurt your feelings

3. 私の悪い – Watashi no warui – My bad

Very casual way of apologizing and is best to use within close friend circles.

私の悪い私はあなたの言うことを聞きませんでした- Watashi no warui watashi wa anata no iu koto o kikimasendeshita

My bad I didn’t hear you

4. すみません – Sumimasen – Excuse me

Similar to “gomen nasai”, the difference; while “gomen nasai” is used exclusively to apologize for something you’ve done, “sumimasen” can also be used to get someone’s attention. However, both are often used interchangeably.

すみません、私はあなたを乗り越えることができます -Sumimasen, watashi wa anata o norikoeru koto ga dekimasu

Excuse me can I get past you

 

めちゃくちゃごめんなさい – Mechakucha gomen’nasai

I’m sorry for messing up

5. 失礼します- Shitsurei shimasu – Please excuse me

Shitsurei’s literally means “rude” so “Shitsurei shimasu” is a semi-casual way of saying sorry.

失礼な!- shitsurei na

How rude! – Used when complaining about a rude person

6. おっとっと – Ottotto – Oops

Extremely relaxed and casual way to apologize to friends and often used in humorous situations when little insignificant mistakes are made.

おっと、ドアを閉めるのを忘れました – Otto, doawoshimeru no o wasuremashita

Oops I forgot to close the door

7. 私の間違い – Watashi no machigai – My mistake

Perfect to use with friends when perhaps having incorrect information about a situation.

私の間違い私はそれを間違えました – Watashi no machigai watashi wa sore o machigaemashita

My mistake I got that wrong

8. 謝罪します- Shazai shimasu – I apologize

Used in either a formal or more casual setting amongst friends and the perfect way to denote a more heartfelt apology to a friend.

電話をかけなかったことをお詫びします – Denwa o kakenakatta koto o owabi shimasu

I apologise for not calling

 

It’s important to note the different uses of “gomen” vs “gomen’nasai”, the former is usually used to denote a more casual tone with the latter being used for formal situations.

How to Say Sorry in Japanese :Formal Situations

Source: Unsplash

 

Now that we have covered how to apologize in more casual settings, it’s time to turn our attention to a more formal manner of apology. These examples will be perfect for formal settings such as; business or perhaps even somber occasions when dealing with figures of authority. Japan is a nation steeped in culture, history, and proper etiquette. It’s important to be aware of these customs whether you’re simply a traveler passing through or planning to move to the country.

1. ご迷惑をおかけしてすみません- Gomeiwaku o okake shite sumimasen –  Excuse me for bothering you

This is perfect for situations when trying to perhaps find out directions when traveling or when asking for instruction or clarity on an instruction in the workplace.

2. これは失礼しました – Kore wa shitsureishimashita – That was rude of me

Although it directly translates as “that was rude of me” it can also be translated as “I’m sorry about this”. This is a formal way of apologizing perhaps to a colleague if you bumped into them not knowing they were in your way.

3. ご面倒をお掛けして、すみません – Go mendō o o-kake shite, sumimasen (Sorry for the inconvenience)

This can be thought of as a great way to apologize In an office setting when a colleague performs a task that is really helpful for you.

4. もうしわけ ありません – Mōshiwake arimasen – I feel awful

A very formal way of apologizing, this is perfect for use with authority figures such as the police or your boss at work.

5. 許してください – Yurushitekudasai – Forgive me please

A major key to being polite in Japanese culture is self-control, this phrase comes in perfectly as when you’ve made a mistake it is considered a lot better to ask for forgiveness than to make a scene. This is perfect for authority figures.

6. 勘弁してください – Kanbenshitekudasai – Please show me mercy

Perfect for times of trouble with authority figures, this phrase is a form of asking for forgiveness and is perfect for use when you feel like you’ve made a huge mistake.

7. すごく ごめんね – Sugoku gomen ne – I am truly very sorry

Although not considered completely formal as it can be used amongst friends, this phrase conveys a much deeper sense of regret and is therefore also well suited to formal situations.

8. べんかいの よちが ない – Benkai no yochi ga nai – There is no excuse

A way to show your remorse and deep understanding for your own actions, this phrase can be used when hurting a loved one or friend but is also perfect for situations where you have messed up at work and know that there is no excuse.

It’s important to know how to apologize in different settings, whether in japan or not. However, it’s doubly as important as stated earlier, Japan is a country of deeply ingrained etiquette values, and not abiding by them could see you being an outcast by many groups. For newcomers to the language, it is understandable that it may take time to not only get used to the difference in culture but also the language differences. However, it is well worthwhile to make the effort as this could not only improve personal but also professional relationships by leaps and bounds leading to a better quality of life while in the country.

 

Saying Sorry in Japanese Can Mean Saying Thank You

Source: Giphy

 

To English speakers, it may seem counterintuitive to apologize when thanking someone. On the other hand, it is completely commonplace in Japanese culture. It is used in contexts where an act of service is performed. Use an apology to thank someone when they performed the said act for you and took the time and effort to do so.

 

1. ごめんなさい – Gomen’nasai – Sorry

Perfect when receiving a gift or favor, this apology shows that you are aware of and deeply grateful for the fact that the other person made an effort to get you the gift or do you the favor.

2. すみません – Sumimasen – Excuse me

Although it can be used to gain someone’s attention, for example; you are trying to move past them, this phrase is perfect when thanking someone for the inconvenience they may have experienced performing an act for you. Also a polite way of saying “thanks for your help”

3. 申し訳ない – Mōshiwakenai – I’m sorry

Another great way to thank someone while apologizing for the inconvenience caused when doing something for you.

4. ご迷惑をおかけして – Gomeiwaku o okake shite – I’m Sorry for the Inconvenience

This is a more direct way of apologizing for the inconvenience caused and also thanking them.

Understanding just how to apologize is important when integrating into various different cultures. Coming from the English language some of these cultural norms may not make sense to you but it’s important to learn the importance of why they were adopted and how exactly they are used.  Sometimes thanking someone isn’t as straightforward as a simple “thank you” however, being able to do so in any language is a skill unto itself, and an important one at that, to master.

The Culture of Apologizing in Japanese Society

Japanese culture is one of deep reverence for politeness, etiquette, and manners. Therefore, it’s important to understand where this cultural practice originates from. In doing so we will understand why saying “sorry” is not always a matter of actually apologizing but sometimes thanking someone for their actions.


In understanding this cultural phenomenon, it’s important to understand that the Japanese aim to have as harmonious a society as possible. Prioritizing the needs of the many over the needs of the few. Not only is it a matter of keeping the peace but also a matter of building trust. If we look at it from the perspective of businesses and governments, the Japanese government and corporate culture have shifted wholeheartedly to include these practices. This builds trust with the Japanese public and with employees, as a sense of ownership is fostered.

Now You Can Apologize Like You Mean It

sorry in japanese
Source: Pexels

 

By the end of this article, we hope to have given all readers a thorough understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Also conveyed just how important it is to be able to apologize when necessary. Developing this skill will allow you to have better, deeper connections with others as well as yourself.

The Japanese language is a beautiful springboard for understanding the deeper nuances of emotions. Learning Japanese will allow you to express yourself to a level you think is impossible with the limitations of the English language. We hope that this article encourages all non-Japanese speaking and practitioners of the language to keep learning. We encourage them to look into other global languages too, with AmazingTalker.

Discover the answers to your language-related questions on AmazingTalker’s Q&A page.

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