How to Say ‘Excuse me.’ in Japanese
すみません。
sumi mase n
[sue-mee mah-seh n]
💬 Usage Tip: [すみません] is a super-useful phrase. It can mean “excuse me,” “sorry,” or even “thank you for the trouble.” A tiny word doing three jobs!
🇯🇵 In Japan: In stations, hotels, and counters in Japan, starting with [すみません] sounds polite and natural when getting staff attention.
Phrase Breakdown
すみ
sumi
[sue-mee]
excuse
Part of the polite expression すみません, used to get someone's attention or apologize lightly.
すみません、と駅員に声をかけました。
I said, "Excuse me," to the station staff member.
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
polite continuation
Middle part of すみません; it helps form the full polite phrase.
すみません、と丁寧に言いました。
I politely said, "Excuse me."
ん
n
[n]
final n sound
The ending sound in すみません, completing the polite expression.
すみません、と小さな声で言いました。
I said, "Excuse me," in a small voice.
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