Ways to apologize in Japanese

Ways to apologize in Japanese

Just like “thank you”, Japanese people use “sorry” with as much frequency. Sorry not only to accept the wrong part about yourself, but it also shows respect and politeness in communication. Learning how to apologize in Japanese is also the most important part that learners need to pay attention to.

For those of you who love culture, the country as well as the people of Japan, you all know one thing that the Japanese are always important to ceremonies. The same apology is the same, but depending on the circumstances and the degree of the mistake you made there will be different ways to apologize.

– すみません
* すみません [Sumimasen] This is the most common apology that the Japanese use every day and often. Sumimasen as a gentle way of apologizing. If you ever bumped into someone on the street or on the subway say Sumimasen

* すみませんでした [Sumimasen deshita] This is the past tense of Sumimasen. Sumimasen deshita is commonly used in women. This word is to apologize to people you respect.

– ごめん
* ごめん [Gomen] Gomen is use quite comfortable, often used when you make a small mistake with a friend or relative, such as being a few minutes late during a date with a friend.

* ごめんね [Gomen-ne] It sounds quite gentle, can be understood as “I’m so sorry” and is often used when you make mistakes with your boyfriend / girlfriend for example.
Use intimate, softer than Gomen

* ごめんなさい [Gomenasai] Gomennasai is a close apology word. This word sounds very formal, but you should only use it with people with close relationships. Take special care not to use Gomenasai with your superiors. But you can use it when your lover is angry.

– しつれい
* しつれい [Shitsurei] Which means “I’m so rude”. It is a gentle way of expressing intimacy, used when asking permission from a crowd, such as parties on the table, apologizing for being impolite. If you need to get something from the banquet table, say Shitsurei!

* しっけい [Shikkei] The meaning of the Shikkei is similar to that of Shitsurei. When you use this word it means you are working, taking care of your own life.

* しつれいしました [Shitsureishimashita] – As a kind of formal shitsurei’s past tense. In Japanese, the past is often heard more solemnly. It can be understood as “I am impolite”. Say Shitsureishimashita when you spill food at a luxury party.

– もうしわけ
* もうしわけございませんでした [Moushiwake gozaimasen deshita] is an apology meant to truly repent, show courtesy. You should only use it if you’ve made a huge mistake. For example you would say Moushiwake gozaimasen deshita in case you release a defective product.

* もうしわけありませんでした [Moushiwake arimasen deshita] is a very polite apology. For example, your company launched the product to the market but has an error that requires recall, in this case, use ta う し わ け あ り ま せ ん で し た to apologize.