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.
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.
帯を締める。
Tie the obi.
だっ
datsu
[da]
was
The past form of 'is', indicating a past state of being.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
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 feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
What Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“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