🙋‍♂️🪪🔄

How to Say ‘Excuse me, I'm here to renew my residence card.’ in Japanese

すみません、在留カードの更新に来ました。

sumi mase n zairyuu kaado no koushin ni ki mashi ta

[sue-mee mah-SEH n zai-RYOO kah-doh noh koh-SHIN ni kee mah-shee tah]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard opener at the information desk. Staff usually point you to the right number machine or form straight away, so you rarely need to explain more.

Phrase Breakdown

すみません、

sumi mase n

excuse me,

A polite opener used to get the staff's attention. Pause briefly after it.

Example

すみません、ちょっといいですか？

Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Words in this phrase

すみ

sumi

[sue-mee]

excuse

A stem used in polite expressions like apologies or getting someone's attention.

Example

すみません、コンサートのチケットについて聞きたいです。

Excuse me, I would like to ask about the concert tickets.

ませ

mase

[mah-SEH]

polite verb form (here part of 'sumimasen')

The polite auxiliary 'masu' in its stem form 'mase', followed by 'n' to make it negative. Together with 'sumi' it forms 'sumimasen', meaning 'excuse me'.

Example

まだ決まっていません。

It hasn't been decided yet.

ん

[n]

(negative ending)

Contracted form of the polite negative ending, as in ありません.

Example

今日は時間がありません。

I don't have time today.

在留カードの

zairyuu kaado no

of the residence card

在留カード (zairyuu kaado) is the residence card for foreign residents. の links it to the next noun. Hold both long vowels: 'ryuu' and 'kaa'.

Example

在留カードを見せてください。

Please show me your residence card.

Words in this phrase

在留

zairyuu

[zai-RYOO]

residence (of foreigners); stay

Staying or residing in a country, used for foreign residents' status.

Example

在留資格を確認します。

We will check your residence status.

カード

kaado

[kah-doh]

card

The second part of 'credit card'.

Example

クレジットカードで支払えます。

I can pay by credit card.

の

[noh]

A linking particle connecting nouns, like 'of' or showing description.

Example

前の方が見やすいです。

The front area is easier to see from.

更新に来ました。

koushin ni ki mashi ta

I came for the renewal.

更新 (koushin) means 'renewal', and 来ました (kimashita) means 'came'. The 'i' in 'shita' is often whispered.

Example

ビザの更新に来ました。

I came to renew my visa.

Words in this phrase

更新

koushin

[koh-SHIN]

renewal

Renewing or extending something official, like a card or permit.

Example

免許の更新に行きます。

I'm going to renew my license.

に

[ni]

Used to indicate direction or point of action.

Example

学校に行きます。

I go to school.

来

[kee]

come

From 来る, meaning 'to come.' Used when thanking someone for attending.

Example

会場に来てくれてありがとう。

Thank you for coming to the venue.

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

[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.

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

Get Full Lesson

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