Japanese word

申し訳

Pronunciation

Romajimōshiwake

Meaning

  • nounapology

Example

ご迷惑をかけて申し訳ありません。go mei waku o ka ke te mō shi wake a ri ma se n

I am sorry for causing trouble.

Illustration for 申し訳 (apology)

More examples

何度も確認していただき、申し訳ありません。nan do mo kaku nin shi te i ta da ki mō shi wake a ri ma se n

I am sorry for making you check it so many times.

Core concept

Centers on acknowledging that one's actions have caused trouble and expressing an apology or offering a reason.

Common phrases

  • 申し訳ないmō shi wake na i

    feel sorry

  • 申し訳ありませんmō shi wake a ri ma se n

    be sorry

Similar words

詫びwabi: An apology for causing trouble, inconvenience, or harm.
謝罪shazai: An expression of regret that formally acknowledges wrongdoing or trouble caused.

Definition in Japanese

自分の行為で相手に迷惑をかけたことをわびる気持ちや、その気持ちを表すことば。ji bun no kō i de ai te ni mei waku o ka ke ta ko to o wa bi ru ki mo chi ya so no ki mo chi o arawa su ko to ba

Word origin

申し訳 (mōshiwake) combines 申す (mōsu, "say humbly") and 訳 (wake, "reason"); it originally referred to an explanation or excuse and came to serve in apologies.

Usage tips

  • The polite phrase 申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen) is common in conversation, while 申し訳ない (mōshiwake nai) is a less formal form of apology.

Other meanings

  • excusenoun

Related words

  • 申し訳なさmōshiwakenasasense of regretnoun

Word lists with this word