How to Say ‘I'm so sorry...!’ in Japanese
本当に ごめんなあ…
hontou ni gomen naa
[hon-TOH ni gomen nah-ah]
💬 Usage Tip: 本当に is often used before apologies to mean "really" or "truly," adding sincerity: 本当にごめん, 本当にすみません. The なあ at the end makes it sound drawn-out and emotional, not formal.
Phrase Breakdown
本当に
hontou ni
Words in this phrase
本当
hontou
[hon-TOH]
really
Truly or genuinely.
本当にごめんなあ、悪かった。
I'm truly sorry, it was my fault.
に
ni
[ni]
-
Japanese particle used with adjectives.
本当に申し訳ない。
I truly apologize.
ごめんなあ
gomen naa
Words in this phrase
ごめん
gomen
[gomen]
sorry
An apology or expression of regret.
本当にごめんね。
I'm really sorry.
なあ
naa
[nah-ah]
-
Softens a statement or adds emphasis.
ごめんなあ、本当に。
I'm truly sorry.
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