How to say “sorry” in Japanese

The short answer

ごめんなさい

gomen nasaigoh-men nah-sai

Sorry in Japanese is ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) with friends and family, or すみません (sumimasen) with strangers.

4 ways to say sorry in Japanese

  1. ごめんなさい

    gomen nasaigoh-men nah-sai

    Means: I'm sorry

    Use it: Personal apologies.

  2. ごめん

    gomengoh-men

    Means: Sorry

    Use it: Casual, friends.

  3. すみません

    sumimasensoo-mee-mah-sen

    Means: Excuse me / sorry

    Use it: Strangers, shops, getting attention.

  4. 申し訳ありません

    mōshiwake arimasenmoh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen

    Means: I deeply apologize

    Use it: Formal and business apologies.

More in Japanese

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