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How to Say ‘It was an obi, my mistake.’ in Japanese

帯だったんですね、失礼しました。

obi datsu ta n desu ne shitsurei shi mashi ta

[OH-bee da tah n dess ne sheet-soo-RAY shee mah-shee tah]

Phrase Breakdown

帯だったんですね、

obi datsu ta n desu ne

Oh, so it was an obi

This part expresses realization. Pause at the comma.

Example

これ、帯だったんですね。

Oh, so this was an obi.

Words in this phrase

帯

obi

[OH-bee]

obi; kimono sash

Wide sash worn with a kimono.

Example

帯を締める。

Tie the obi.

だっ

datsu

[da]

was

The past form of 'is', indicating a past state of being.

Example

彼は学生だった。

He was a student.

た

ta

[tah]

past tense ending

This ending completes the polite past tense form.

Example

空席がございまし た。

There were vacant seats.

ん

n

[n]

explanatory tone

Adds explanation or background to what the speaker is saying.

Example

写真のプロジェクトをしているんだ。

I'm doing a photography project, you know.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

ね

ne

[ne]

isn't it; right

Sentence-ending particle that seeks agreement or adds friendliness.

Example

今日は暑いですね。

It's hot today, isn't it?

失礼しました。

shitsurei shi mashi ta

my apologies

This politely apologizes for the wrong guess.

Example

お名前を間違えて、失礼しました。

Sorry for getting your name wrong.

Words in this phrase

失礼

shitsurei

[sheet-soo-RAY]

rudeness; excuse me

Means impoliteness; with します it's a polite way to excuse yourself or say goodbye.

Example

お先に失礼します。

Excuse me for leaving before you.

し

shi

[shee]

do; make

The verb stem of する, attached to 交換 to form the action 'to exchange.'

Example

名刺を交換したいです。

I want to exchange business cards.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite past stem

Part of the polite past ending in a verb phrase.

Example

昨日は多くのことを学びました。

I learned many things yesterday.

た

ta

[tah]

past tense ending

This ending completes the polite past tense form.

Example

空席がございまし た。

There were vacant seats.

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