How to Say ‘Really, I’m sorry.’ in Japanese
本当にごめんなさい。
hontou ni gomen nasai
💬 Usage Tip: More polite option: [本当に申し訳ありません]. But [本当にごめんなさい] is common and heartfelt.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Sincere-sounding apology phrases can quickly calm neighbor tension—tone matters more than perfection.
Phrase Breakdown
本当に
hontou ni
really; truly
Adverb used to emphasize sincerity/strength of feeling.
本当にありがとうございます。
Thank you very much (truly).
Words in this phrase
本当
hontou
に
ni
ごめんなさい。
gomen nasai
I’m sorry.
Common apology. Polite but casual; more formal options include 申し訳ありません.
遅れてごめんなさい。
Sorry I’m late.
Words in this phrase
ごめん
gomen
なさい
nasai
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