How to Say ‘I'm sorry for not saying it first.’ in Japanese
最初に言わなくてすみません。
saisho ni iwa naku te sumi mase n
[sigh-shoh nee ee-wah nah-koo teh soo-mee mah-seh n]
Phrase Breakdown
最初に
saisho ni
at first; first
Indicates the beginning or first step.
最初に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name first.
Words in this phrase
最初
saisho
[sigh-shoh]
at first; at the beginning
Means the beginning or first stage of something.
最初に言わなくてすみません。
I'm sorry I didn't say it at the beginning.
に
ni
[nee]
at; in; to
Particle that turns 最初 into an adverbial phrase meaning at first.
最初に説明しなくてすみません。
I'm sorry I didn't explain it at the beginning.
言わなくてすみません
iwa naku te sumi mase n
sorry for not saying; sorry I didn't say
Apologizes for not saying something earlier or at the beginning.
最初に言わなくてすみません。
Sorry for not saying it at the beginning.
Words in this phrase
言わ
iwa
[ee-wah]
not say; did not say
Negative stem of 言う, used here in an apology for not saying something.
運転手に言わなくてすみません。
I'm sorry I didn't tell the driver.
なく
naku
[nah-koo]
not
Negative connector attached to verbs, leading into a reason or apology.
早く言わなくてすみません。
I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner.
て
te
[teh]
and; because
Te-form connector; in this pattern it links to an apology expression.
言わなくてすみませんでした。
I'm sorry I didn't say it.
すみ
sumi
[soo-mee]
sorry
Part of すみません, a common polite apology or excuse me.
すみません、カードが使えません。
Sorry, cards cannot be used.
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
polite negative part
Middle part of すみません, forming the polite apology expression.
すみませんと丁寧に言いました。
I politely said, 'Sorry.'
ん
n
[n]
negative ending
Final sound of すみません, completing the polite expression.
すみません、最初に言わなくて。
I'm sorry for not saying it at the beginning.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager