Japanese word

すみません

Pronunciation

Romajisumimasen

Meaning

  • interjectionI'm sorry

Example

すみません、まちがえました。su mi ma se n ma chi ga e ma shi ta

I'm sorry, I made a mistake.

Illustration for すみません (I'm sorry)

More examples

迷惑をかけて、すみません。mei waku o ka ke te su mi ma se n

I'm sorry for causing you trouble.

Core concept

It acknowledges that another person has been affected and expresses regret or politeness in response.

Common phrases

  • すみません、お願いしますsu mi ma se n o nega i shi ma su

    excuse me, please

  • すみませんがsu mi ma se n ga

    excuse me, but

Similar words

ごめんなさいgomennasai: A polite apology used when a mistake or inconvenience has affected another person.
ごめんgomen: A short, informal apology used with family, friends, or other close people.
すまんsuman: An informal apology with a rough or masculine tone.

Definition in Japanese

相手に謝意を示し、過ちや手間をかけたことをわびるときに用いる語。ai te ni sha i o shime shi ayama chi ya te ma o ka ke ta ko to o wa bi ru to ki ni mochi i ru go

Word origin

The expression comes from すまない (sumanai), the negative form related to 済む (sumu, "to be settled"), with the polite ending changing it to すみません (sumimasen).

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, すみません (sumimasen) can cover both "I'm sorry" and "excuse me," so its exact meaning depends on whether a mistake or a request for attention is involved.

Other meanings

  • excuse meinterjection
  • pardon meinterjection

Word lists with this word