How to Say ‘Excuse me.’ in Japanese
すみません。
sumi mase n
[soo-mee mah-seh n]
💬 Usage Tip: Super versatile! Use [すみません] to get attention, to apologize, or even as a soft “thank you” when someone helps you.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In pharmacies, starting with [すみません] is the polite “doorbell” to begin the conversation.
Phrase Breakdown
すみ
sumi
[soo-mee]
excuse me / sorry
Stem of すみません. Used to get someone’s attention politely (e.g., at a pharmacy) or to apologize lightly.
すみません、薬剤師さん、ちょっといいですか。
Excuse me, pharmacist, do you have a moment?
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
(part of “excuse me”)
Part of すみません. Not used alone; together with the other parts it makes the polite phrase すみません.
すみません、胃薬をおすすめしてもらえますか。
Excuse me, could you recommend a stomach medicine for me?
ん
n
[n]
(part of “excuse me”)
Final ん in すみません. Not used alone; it completes the set phrase.
すみません、これは飲み合わせは大丈夫ですか。
Excuse me, is it okay to take this together with other medicines?
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