How to Say ‘I'm very sorry.’ in Japanese
申し訳なかったです。
moushiwake nakatsu ta desu
[moh-shee-WAH-keh nak tah dess]
💬 Usage Tip: Putting the apology in the past, なかった, shows you're sorry about something that's already over, like a visit you missed.
Phrase Breakdown
申し訳
moushiwake
[moh-shee-WAH-keh]
excuse; apology
Formal word for an excuse; used in very polite apologies.
申し訳ありません。
I'm very sorry.
なかっ
nakatsu
[nak]
was not
Past tense negative copula used in casual context.
行くつもりなかったんだ。
I didn't intend to go.
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.
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.
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