Japanese word

すまない

Pronunciation

Romajisumanai

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveunjustifiable

Example

家族にすまないことをしてしまいました。ka zoku ni su ma na i ko to o shi te shi ma i ma shi ta

I did something unjustifiable to my family.

Illustration for すまない (unjustifiable)

More examples

約束を破ったのに謝らないのは、すまないことです。yaku soku o yabu tta no ni ayama ra na i no wa su ma na i ko to de su

Not apologizing after breaking a promise is unjustifiable.

Core concept

Expresses that a situation leaves no acceptable justification and may also leave a speaker feeling indebted or apologetic.

Common phrases

  • すまないことsu ma na i ko to

    an unjustifiable matter

Similar words

申し訳ないmōshiwakenai: An action or situation is without excuse and requires an apology.
許しがたいyurushigatai: An act is regarded as impossible to forgive because of its seriousness.

Definition in Japanese

道理や事情があっても、許したり正当化したりできない。dō ri ya ji jō ga a tte mo yuru shi ta ri sei tō ka shi ta ri de ki na i

Word origin

The form すまない (sumanai) combines 済む (sumu, "to be settled") with the negative auxiliary ない (nai, "not"), giving the sense that matters are not settled.

Usage tips

  • In すまないこと (sumanai koto), すまない (sumanai) means "inexcusable," while the standalone expression commonly means "sorry."

Other meanings

  • sorryi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • すまなさsumanasaapologetic feelingnoun

Word lists with this word