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How to Say ‘Unfortunately, the window seats are already filled.’ in Japanese

あいにく窓際はもう埋まっておりまして。

ainiku madogiwa wa mou umatsu te ori mashi te

[ah-ee-NEE-koo mah-doh-GEE-wah wah moh-oh oo-MAHT teh ori mah-shee teh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Starting with あいにく "unfortunately" and trailing off without a direct "no" is how staff politely turn down a request. Usually they offer an alternative right after.

Phrase Breakdown

あいにく窓際は

ainiku madogiwa wa

unfortunately, the window side

あいにく means 'unfortunately' and is often used by staff. 窓際は means 'as for the window seats'.

Example

あいにく窓際は満席です。

Unfortunately, the window seats are full.

Words in this phrase

あいにく

ainiku

[ah-ee-NEE-koo]

unfortunately

Polite word to soften bad news, common in customer service.

Example

あいにく満席です。

Unfortunately, we're full.

窓際

madogiwa

[mah-doh-GEE-wah]

by the window

The area right next to a window.

Example

窓際の席が好きです。

I like window seats.

は

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

Are there any seats available?

もう埋まっておりまして。

mou umatsu te ori mashi te

is already taken

This is a humble, polite way to say something is booked. Hold the small っ.

Example

今週はもう埋まっておりまして。

This week is already fully booked.

Words in this phrase

もう

mou

[moh-oh]

already

Indicates something has been done or occurred in advance.

Example

もう知っていることです。

It's something I already know.

埋まっ

umatsu

[oo-MAHT]

be filled; be taken

Te-form stem of 埋まる, to become full or occupied.

Example

予約が全部埋まっています。

All reservations are taken.

て

[teh]

te-form ending

This ending connects actions, like 'cut and...' in instructions.

Example

てをつけると、つぎのどうさにつなげられます。

When you add -te, you can connect it to the next action.

おり

ori

[ori]

polite progressive

Indicates an ongoing action or state respectfully.

Example

勉強しております。

I am studying.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite verb ending part

Part of polite verb forms used in formal speech.

Example

丁寧に話しました。

I spoke politely.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

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