How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in Japanese
すみません
sumi mase n
[su-mi ma-se n]
🇯🇵 In Japan: すみません does a lot of jobs in Japan: Excuse me, sorry, and even a light thank you for the trouble. It's the most natural way to get a stranger's attention before asking for directions.
Phrase Breakdown
すみ
sumi
[su-mi]
Excuse me
A common phrase used to get someone's attention or apologize.
すみません、レストランはどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the restaurant?
ませ
mase
[ma-se]
Excuse
Part of the word for excuse or pardon.
すみません、道を教えてください。
Excuse me, please tell me the way.
ん
n
[n]
Suffix for negative
Used to make verbs polite and negative.
まだ行けません。
I can't go yet.
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