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How to Say ‘I'm very sorry.’ in Japanese

申し訳ございません。

moushiwake gozai mase n

[moh-shee-WAH-keh goh-zah-ee mah-SEH n]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is much more formal than すみません. Staff say it whenever they can't give you what you asked for, such as when the person you want isn't available.

Phrase Breakdown

申し訳

moushiwake

[moh-shee-WAH-keh]

excuse; apology

Formal word for an excuse; used in very polite apologies.

Example

申し訳ありません。

I'm very sorry.

ございません。

gozai mase n

there is none (very polite)

A very polite form of ない. Combined with 申し訳, it means 'I have no excuse', a very formal 'I'm sorry'.

Example

在庫がございません。

We have no stock.

Words in this phrase

ござい

gozai

[goh-zah-ee]

to exist; polite support word

Part of the polite phrase for thanking someone formally.

Example

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for giving me your time today.

ませ

mase

[mah-SEH]

polite negative ending

Part of the polite negative form -masen, making a verb or expression negative and polite.

Example

わかりません。

I don't understand.

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.

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