What are some alternative expressions for the Japanese apology "gomen'nasai"? In Japanese, it is necessary to use different expressions for apologizing in everyday life and in business situations. Learn to use Japanese that is appropriate for the person you are apologizing to and the situation.

1.I'm sorry

"Gomen ne" is an informal version of "gomen'nasai." It is used with very close people, such as family and friends. Also, the "ne" in "gomen ne" gives off a childish or casual impression, so it is unlikely to be used in situations where a child is apologizing to an adult.

Example sentences

Sorry for being mean to you yesterday.

Kinō wa ijiwaru shite gomen ne.

Sorry for being mean yesterday.

Example sentences

Sorry I'm late for our meeting.

Machiawase ni okurete gomen ne.

I'm sorry I was late for the meeting.

Example sentences

Sorry for the late reply to your email.

Mēru no henshin ga osokute gomen ne.

Sorry for the late reply to the email.

2.I'm sorry (sumimasen)

"Sumimasen" is an expression used to convey that you are "remorseful" about a small mistake or failure. It is mainly used with close friends and family. It can also be used in business situations, but because it has a somewhat informal impression, it is often used with colleagues from the same company, junior colleagues, or close superiors. If you use it in a situation where you have made a big mistake or caused a lot of trouble to a customer, you may be mistaken as not being very remorseful. You need to be careful about who you use it with and in what situation.

Example sentences

Sorry for the wait.

O matase shite sumimasen.

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

Example sentences

I'm sorry I came home late.

Kaeri ga osoku natte sumimasen.

Sorry for the late return.

Example sentences

Sorry for calling you so late at night.

Yoru osoku ni denwa shite sumimasen.

I'm sorry to call you late at night.

3.I'm sorry (sumanai)

"Sumanai" is an informal way of saying "sumimasen." It is used when speaking with family, friends, and close friends. "Sumanai" is a Japanese expression that is often used by men. Because it is a slightly old-fashioned expression, you will hear it more often in period dramas, TV dramas, and movies than in everyday conversation.

Example sentences

I broke your favorite dish. I'm sorry.

Anata ga kiniitte ita shokki wo watte shimatta. Sumanai.

I broke the tableware you liked. I'm sorry.

Example sentences

I'm sorry I lost your precious ring.

Sumanai. Anata ga taisetsu ni shite ita yubiwa wo nakushite shimatta.

I'm sorry. I lost the ring you cherished.

4.I'm sorry (shitsurei itashimashita)

"Shitsurei itashimashita" is a polite way of saying "I'm sorry." In English, it is often translated as "I apologize" rather than "I'm sorry." It is characterized by expressing the meaning "please forgive me" in response to rude language or behavior. It is mainly used in business situations when speaking to superiors or bosses in the same company. However, when making a mistake to an important customer or important business partner, it is more sincere to use "mōshiwakegozaimasen" or "owabi mōshiagemasu."

Example sentences

It was my mistake. I apologize.

Watashi no kanchigai deshita. Shitsurei itashimashita.

My misunderstanding. I apologize for that.

Example sentences

The audio cut out. Sorry.

Onsei ga togirete shimaimashita. Shitsurei itashimashita.

The audio has been cut off. My apologies.

Example sentences

I'm very sorry for the late greeting.

Go aisatsu ga okurete shimaimashita. Taihen shitsurei itashimashita.

I apologize for the delay in greeting you. I am terribly sorry.

"Shitsurei itashimashita" is also often used in the form "Taihen shitsurei itashimashita." Using "Taihen" emphasizes politeness and sincere remorse.

5. I'm sorry (mōshiwakegozaimasen)

"Mōshiwakegozaimasen" is a polite form of "I'm sorry." It conveys a sincere apology. It is used in business situations when speaking to superiors or people of higher rank within the company, as well as to people outside the company and customers. Because it is a formal expression, it is rarely used when speaking to close friends or family.

Example sentences

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Gomeiwaku wo okake shi mōshiwakegozaimasen.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

"I'm sorry" (mōshiwakegozaimasen) is also often used in the form "I'm very sorry" (taihen mōshiwakegozaimasen). When used with "taihen" (very), it conveys politeness and shows deep remorse.

Example sentences

I'm very sorry that I couldn't meet the deadline.

Shimekiri ni maniawaseru koto ga dekizu, taihen mōshiwakegozaimasen.

We are very sorry that we could not meet the deadline.

6. We apologize for the inconvenience.

"Owabi mōshiagemasu" (We apologize) is a very polite alternative to "gomen'nasai" (I'm sorry). It allows you to express your apology while showing respect to the other person. It is an expression used when speaking to superiors or seniors within the company, or to business partners or customers outside the company. It is often used in business situations to apologize for serious mistakes or great damage. It is also often used together with words like "fukaku" (deeply), "kokoroyori" (sincerely), and "tsutsushinde" (respectfully). It allows you to politely convey to the other person that you are sincerely remorseful.

Example sentences

I apologize for any inconvenience caused by my lack of confirmation.

Watashi no kakunin busoku de gomeiwaku okake shimashita koto wo owabi mōshiagemasu.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by my lack of confirmation.

Example sentences

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Fukaina omoi wo sasete shimatta koto wo kokoroyori owabi mōshiagemasu.

We sincerely apologize for making you feel uncomfortable.

Example sentences

We deeply apologize for this incident.

Konotabi no fushōji ni tsukimashite fukaku owabi mōshiagemasu.

We deeply apologize for this scandal.

Example sentences

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the product issue.

Seihin toraburu no tame gomeiwaku wo okake shimashita koto wo tsutsushinde owabi mōshiagemasu.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the product trouble.

In Japanese, there are many ways to say "I'm sorry (gomen'nasai)." Learn as many alternative expressions as you can and use them in a variety of situations.

Actually, the word "sumimasen" that we introduced this time can be used for more than just apologizing. Did you know? If you are even slightly curious about Japanese, You can experience Japanese language lessons taught by experienced teachers for free. Human Academy Japanese Language Learning Plus Register for free Would you like to try it?