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Explaining "失念しておりました (shinen shite orimashita)" : Meaning, Paraphrases, Usage, Example Sentences, and English Expressions

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Have you ever heard the phrase "失念しておりました (shinen shite orimashita)" in business situations? It is not often used in daily conversation, but it is one of the most common expressions in business interactions.

This phrase is used to politely apologize to the other party or to acknowledge one's own carelessness. Especially in e-mail and written communication, "失念しておりました" is an indispensable expression.

In this article, we will explain in detail about "失念しておりました," which is useful in business situations, including its meaning, paraphrased expressions, specific examples of use, and English expressions. By reading this article, you will be able to use "失念しておりました" correctly.

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Meaning of "失念しておりました (shinen shite orimashita)"

失念しておりました" is a polite way of saying that you have inadvertently forgotten something. The word "lost" means to fall out of memory, in other words, to forget. Adding the polite word "~shitasita desu shita" (I have been doing it) gives a more humble and modest impression.

This phrase is commonly used when admitting one's carelessness or mistakes. It will often be used to address a superior person, such as a boss or a business partner. Rather than simply saying "I forgot," saying "失念しておりました" is a more respectful expression to the other party.

What is the English equivalent of "失念しておりました (shinen shite orimashita)"?

The English equivalent of "失念しておりました" is "I had forgotten" or "It had slipped my mind. However, these expressions do not give the same polite impression as Japanese.

More polite English expressions that can be used in business situations include

  • I apologize for my oversight.
  • I regret that it slipped my mind.
  • Please accept my apologies for forgetting.
  • I'm sorry, it completely escaped my attention.

It is best to use these expressions according to the situation. Even in English, it is important to acknowledge your fault and show sincere apology.

Paraphrasing "失念しておりました (shinen shite orimashita)"

Paraphrases of "失念しておりました" include the following

  • うっかり忘れておりました
    (Ukkari wasurete orimashita, I had inadvertently forgotten about it.)
  • I had completely forgotten about it.
  • I had forgotten about it.
  • I beg your pardon

All of these expressions, like "失念しておりました," acknowledge your carelessness and express your apology. Depending on the situation, choose the appropriate paraphrase.

How to use "失念しておりました (shinen shite orimashita)" in business, example sentences

The phrase "失念しておりました" is useful in business situations. This expression can be used in a variety of situations, such as when replying to an e-mail or when you forget to do a task that your boss has instructed you to do.

Below are some specific examples of its use.

(1) 返信を失念していたため、遅くなってしまいました。

Henshin wo shinen shite ita tame, osoku natte shimimaimashita.
I am sorry for the delay, as I had forgotten to reply.

This is used when you want to say that you have inadvertently forgotten something, such as when you are late replying to an e-mail.

For example, you have received an important e-mail from a business partner, but you have forgotten that you should reply to it, and by the time you realize it, several days have already passed. In such a case, you can say, "返信が遅くなってしまい、大変申し訳ございません。ご連絡いただいたメールへの返信を失念しておりました。 (We are very sorry for the delay in replying to your e-mail)". "失念しておりました" for replying to your email.

(2) 内容を失念してしまったので、再度確認してもよろしいでしょうか。

Naiyou wo shinen shite shimatta node, saido kakunin shite mo yoroshii deshou ka.
May I check again because I have forgotten the contents?

When you use this phrase is when you have forgotten something you should have done. Because it is your fault, you should use this phrase followed by, "申し訳ございません。(Moushiwake gozaimasen.)" or "大変失礼いたしました。(Taihen shitsurei itashimashita.)".

For example, you may have been verbally briefed on a task by your supervisor, but later inadvertently forget the details. In such a case, you should say, "大変申し訳ありません。先日ご説明いただいた作業内容を失念してしまいました。お手数ですが、再度ご確認いただけますと幸いです。 (I am very sorry. I have forgotten the work you explained to me the other day. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we would appreciate it if you could check again)". It is best to explain the situation using "失念しておりました" and ask for confirmation again.

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summary

This article introduced the meaning of the phrase "失念しておりました," paraphrased expressions, business usage, and specific examples.

Everyone makes mistakes inadvertently, even in the workplace. In such cases, the expression "失念しておりました" is very useful when you want to politely apologize while admitting your fault.

In business situations, the ability to use polite language is an important factor in building a relationship of trust with others. If you can use expressions such as "失念しておりました" at the right time, it will definitely help you communicate smoothly.

Please refer to this article to make the most of "失念しておりました".

If you would like to learn more about Japanese expressions useful in business situations, please see the related articles below.


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