How to Say ‘Excuse me.’ in Japanese
すみません。
sumi mase n
[soo-mee mah-seh n (m before m/b/p)]
💬 Usage Tip: [すみません] is super versatile: “Excuse me,” “Sorry,” or “Thanks (for the trouble).” It’s the safe go-to to get attention politely.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, a light [すみません] is commonly used to call staff in shops/restaurants and to soften requests—often more natural than a direct “hey.”
Phrase Breakdown
すみ
sumi
[soo-mee]
apology / excuse me (part of すみません)
「すみません」の一部。単独ではあまり使わず、「すみません（excuse me / sorry）」として丁寧に呼びかけたり謝ったりするときに使います。
すみません、もう一度お願いします。
Excuse me, could you say it one more time, please?
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
polite negative/unfinished part (part of すみません)
「すみません」の一部。「〜ません」は丁寧な否定表現で、ここでは慣用句として「すみません（sorry / excuse me）」を作ります。単独ではほぼ使いません。
すみません、今少しいいですか。
Excuse me, do you have a moment now?
ん
n
[n (m before m/b/p)]
final sound 'n' (part of すみません)
語尾の「ん」。ここでは「すみません」の最後の音で、発音は鼻に抜ける「n」。単独でも「ん？」(Huh?) などで使うことがあります。
すみません、聞こえませんでした。
Sorry, I couldn’t hear (it).
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