How to Say ‘I'm sorry.’ in Japanese
失礼しました。
shitsurei shi mashi ta
[sheet-soo-RAY shee mah-shee tah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is how staff apologize, and it's more formal than すみません. You'll hear it if the therapist hurts you or bumps you by accident.
Phrase Breakdown
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 (stem)
Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.
注文をお願いし、ます。
I would like to place the order, please.
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.
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