Introduction
Picture this, you’re weaving through a crowded Tokyo train car and need to excuse yourself, or you’ve just bumped into someone at a busy market stall. Which phrase should you use? In Japanese there’s more than one way to say “excuse me” or “I’m sorry,” and picking the right one can smooth out any awkward moment. If you’re searching for japanese excuse me phrases to boost your confidence, you’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide you’ll learn when to say each phrase, how to pronounce it, and tips for sounding natural in Tokyo’s daily hustle.
Understanding polite Japanese phrases
Japanese culture values harmony and respect, so the language offers several “excuse me” and apology options. Below is a quick chart to help you spot the right phrase at a glance.
Quick phrase chart
| Phrase (romaji) | Japanese script | Meaning | Use case | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sumimasen | すみません | Excuse me, I’m sorry, thanks | Minor apologies, getting attention | Medium |
| gomennasai | ごめんなさい | I’m sorry | Sincere apologies | Medium-High |
| honto ni gomennasai | 本当にごめんなさい | I’m truly sorry | Deep regret | High |
| gomen kudasai | ごめんください | Excuse me, may I come in? | Knocking, entering home/shop | Medium |
| shitsurei shimasu | 失礼します | Excuse me (rudeness) | Interrupting, entering meeting | High |
| osaki ni shitsureishimasu | お先に失礼します | Excuse me for leaving early | Leaving work before others | High |
| onegaishimasu | お願いします | Please | Requests | Medium-High |
Choosing the right phrase
Each phrase carries a nuance based on context and politeness level. For a deep dive into how Japanese formality shifts by social role, check out japanese politeness levels. As a general rule:
- Use sumimasen for quick apologies or to catch someone’s eye.
- Switch to gomennasai when you truly inconvenience someone.
- Reserve honto ni gomennasai for heartfelt or serious regrets.
- Reach for shitsurei shimasu in formal settings, like business or office scenarios.
Understanding these basics keeps your interactions smooth and helps you blend in with local etiquette.
Using sumimasen properly
Sumimasen is your Swiss Army knife for everyday courtesy. You can say it to apologize, to thank someone, or to get attention. It’s slightly more polite than gokukansha’s gomennasai for minor slip-ups (JapanesePod101).
Contexts and examples
- Getting past someone on a busy train: “sumimasen” followed by a slight bow
- Asking a station attendant for help: “sumimasen, next stop wa nan desu ka?”
- Calling waitstaff at a café: “sumimasen” then “menu onegaishimasu” ([japanese restaurant phrases ordering])
- Thanking after a small favor: “sumimasen, tasukarimashita” (“Sorry, you saved me”)
You’ll hear sumimasen more than any other excuse me phrase in Tokyo.
Pronunciation tips
To nail the rhythm, break it down to su-mi-ma-sen, with the stress on “sen.” It sounds like “soo-mee-mah-sen.” For a natural touch, keep it brief and pair it with eye contact or a nod. If you need help with Japanese phonetics, swing by our japanese pronunciation guide for extra practice.
Saying gomennasai sincerely
When you really mess up—say, you trip in front of someone or spill a drink—gomennasai shows you feel bad. It’s the polite form of “gomen” and signals genuine regret (Voyapon).
When to apologize strongly
- Bumping into someone on the sidewalk
- Arriving late to a meetup
- Returning a faulty item to a store
Gomennasai carries more weight than sumimasen. It’s your go-to when you need to own up.
Cultural notes
In Japan, sincere apologies help maintain group harmony. You might pair gomennasai with a deeper bow at about a 30-degree angle for added sincerity. If you want to know how this fits into overall etiquette, see our section on japanese body language.
Expressing deep regret
Sometimes an everyday apology won’t cut it. If you’re in a serious situation—missing an important appointment or causing real harm—honto ni gomennasai steps up the sincerity (Voyapon).
Honto ni gomennasai
- Literal meaning: “I’m truly sorry”
- Usage: Company apologies, official statements, heartfelt personal apologies
Example scenarios
- You accidentally break a hostess’s heirloom vase.
- You say, “honto ni gomennasai,” bow deeply, and offer to replace it.
- You miss a once-in-a-lifetime business meeting.
- Honto ni gomennasai underscores just how sorry you are.
This phrase signals you get the gravity of the moment.
Getting attention politely
Ever try to hail a cab or flag down a busy clerk? You can still use sumimasen, but onegaishimasu works wonders for making a request feel smoother.
Sumimasen for help
- At a convenience store: “sumimasen, o-koppu kudasai” (“Excuse me, a cup please”)
- On a train: “sumimasen, tetsudatte moraemasen ka?” (“Can you help me, please?”)
Pair sumimasen with a small gesture, like raising a hand.
onegaishimasu vs sumimasen
- onegaishimasu means “please.” It’s polite and direct for ordering or service requests.
- Use onegaishimasu after a menu item or product name.
- Use sumimasen first if you need to catch attention, then follow up with onegaishimasu.
Knowing when to switch between these two makes your interactions in stores and restaurants flow naturally ([japanese shopping phrases useful], [japanese transportation vocabulary]).
Entering private spaces
Walking into someone’s home or a small shop in Japan has its own code. You’ll often hear gomen kudasai when you knock on a door or step inside unexpectedly.
Gomen kudasai explained
- Literal meaning: “Excuse me, may I come in?”
- Settings: Private homes, small owner-run shops (Voyapon)
When you say it, pause by the entrance and wait for a response. It’s like ringing a doorbell.
When to use gomen kudasai
- Visiting a friend’s house
- Popping into a quiet atelier or boutique
- Arriving at a ryokan (traditional inn) with a closed door
Treat it as your polite knock.
Workplace courtesy phrases
In Japanese offices, etiquette runs deep. Before interrupting or leaving, two phrases keep you in good standing.
Shitsurei shimasu basics
- Meaning: “Excuse my rudeness” or “please excuse me”
- Use before entering someone’s office or starting a meeting
- Pronounce it: shi-tsu-reɪ-shē shi-mah-su (BondLingo)
Osaki ni shitsureishimasu
- Meaning: “Excuse me for leaving before you”
- Use when you head out at the end of the day
- Signals respect for colleagues still working
Pair these with a slight bow toward your team.
Tips for natural tone
Learning phrases is one thing, sounding genuine is another. Here are a few tips to help you blend in.
Bowing and body language
- A 15-degree bow suits casual encounters.
- A 30-degree bow fits formal apologies like gomennasai.
- Keep eye contact polite, not stare-y.
- Gesture with open palms when asking for help to seem friendly.
Matching formality level
- Match the phrase to the situation. Too formal can feel stiff, too casual might offend.
- Observe locals and mirror their style.
- For extra context on hierarchy and honorifics, check japanese honorifics usage and japanese politeness levels.
- Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself using our japanese pronunciation guide.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use sumimasen and gomennasai interchangeably?
They overlap, but sumimasen suits minor slips and attention-getting. Use gomennasai for stronger apologies.
2. Is onegaishimasu an excuse me phrase?
It literally means “please.” You often follow sumimasen with onegaishimasu to make requests polite.
3. When should I use gomen kudasai vs sumimasen at someone’s door?
Use gomen kudasai for private homes and small shops. Use sumimasen if you’re outside a public business like a restaurant.
4. How do I bow correctly when apologizing?
For casual apologies, a 15-degree bow works. For serious apologies, go deeper at 30 degrees and hold for a second or two.
5. Which phrase helps if I don’t speak Japanese?
Sumimasen doubles as “excuse me” and “thank you.” Pair it with gestures and simple English words—locals will usually help.
With these polite Japanese excuse me phrases in your toolkit, you’ll navigate Tokyo’s public transport, shops, and social settings with confidence. Try them out and watch doors open—sometimes literally.
