How to Say ‘Excuse me.’ in Japanese
すみません。
sumi mase n
[sumi mah-seh n]
🇯🇵 In Japan: すみません is the standard way to get a stranger's attention in Japan, whether it's a passerby, a shop clerk or a waiter. It also works as "sorry" and even "thanks" when someone goes out of their way for you.
Phrase Breakdown
すみ
sumi
[sumi]
excuse me
Used to attract attention or apologize.
すみません、道を教えてください。
Excuse me, can you tell me the way?
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
polite negative (part of ません)
「ませ」 is part of 「ません」, the polite negative form.
はいていません。
I haven’t vomited.
ん
n
[n]
negative ending
The final sound completing the negative polite form.
一人は魚が食べられません。
One person cannot eat fish.
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