What does the Japanese word "Sumimasen" mean? Explanation of business usage and example sentences
Japanese people use "sumimasen" (sorry) or "doumo sumimasen" (thank you) in various situations, such as when apologizing, calling a waiter, or making a request.
For foreigners studying Japanese, the question is, "Why did you apologize just now?" "Wasn't that just a thank you?" I am sure that many foreigners studying Japanese wonder "Why did you apologize just now?
So, in this article, we will explain the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of "excuse me" in detail.
At the end of the article, you will actually learn how to use "excuse me" with example sentences. Let's master "excuse me" and become able to speak natural Japanese!
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Three meanings of "excuse me
Sumimasen" commonly used by Japanese people has three major meanings.
- Sorry (apology)
- Thank you (Appreciation)
- May I have a word?
Meaning of "excuse me" (1) I'm sorry (apology)
The literal translation of "excuse me" is "I'm sorry.
When you bump into someone on the street or are late for a meeting, "excuse me" is an apology.
Attention! Attention!
Sorry is used only for small mistakes or failures.
If you have made a serious mistake or error, use "I'm sorry" instead of "I'm sorry.
Meaning of "excuse me" (2) Thank you (gratitude)
The word "excuse me" also means "thank you."
When someone picks up a lost item or gives you a souvenir, "excuse me" expresses gratitude.
Meaning of "excuse me" (3) May I have a word?
Excuse me" can be used in the same way as "um-ou," which is used to call someone off.
When you want to ask for directions, ask where something is for sale at the supermarket, or order at a restaurant, you must first call out "excuse me" before speaking.
Other
Other times, "excuse me" is used to get attention or to ask for a favor.
Especially when asking for a favor, "Excuse me, could you do me a favor? Just putting "excuse me" in front of the request will give a good impression.
English equivalent of Japanese "Sumimasen
The English translation of "excuse me" changes for each scene.
- I'm sorry.
- Thank you.
- Excuse me.
- Can you (do) 〜 ?
【 apology 】I'm sorry.
Sorry applies to the mildest (less serious) of apologies.
The literal translation of "I'm sorry." can also be translated into English as "Pardon me?", "I beg your pardon.", or "My bad.
【hank you 】Thank you.
Excuse me" has the meaning of gratitude and can be translated into English as "Thank you.
Other English translations include "Thank you for~" and "Thanks!
【 call 】Excuse me.
Excuse me." when speaking to a waiter can be translated into English as "Excuse me.
【 Please 】Can you (do) ~ ?
Excuse me, can you do me a favor? When you want to ask for something, you can translate it into English as "Can you (do) 〜 ? can be translated into English as "Can you (do) 〜 ?
The difference between "excuse me" and "sorry" and what to look out for in business
Have you ever heard Japanese people say "suimasen"? The word "suimasen" is a variant of "sumimasen" that is easier to pronounce. In addition to "suimasen," there are other expressions such as "sunmasen" depending on the region.
Both are colloquialisms used only in spoken language, so use "excuse me" when using them in writing or in e-mails. In addition, "suzumasu" is more frank than "sumimasen". The correct wording is "sumimasen" (sorry).
Foreigners who are studying Japanese should consciously use "excuse me". Especially when apologizing, it is more impressive to use "excuse me" instead of "sorry.
However, in business situations, instead of using "excuse me," it is required to use appropriate honorifics according to the situation, such as "I am sorry," to apologize, "thank you," to express gratitude, and "I beg your pardon," to make a request.
【 by meaning 】 "I'm sorry" usage and example sentences
Now, let's actually learn how to use "excuse me".
1. "I'm sorry" as an apology
scene1 When you bump into someone on the street
| I'm sorry, 大丈夫? （大丈夫?) English translation: I'm sorry. ⇒大丈夫. (daijyoubu desuyo.) English translation: I'm all right. |
scene2 When you cannot answer the phone
| Sorry I couldn't answer the phone. (dennwani derarenakute sumimasen.) English translation: I'm sorry I didn't answer your call. |
scene3 When you are late for a meeting
| Sorry for the delay. (okuretesimai doumosumimasen.) English translation: I'm sorry for being late. |
2. thank you "excuse me
scene1 When you receive a souvenir
| This is a souvenir from Hokkaido. Please take it. (korewa hokkaido no omiyagedesu. douzo.) English translation: This is a little something I got for you from Hokkaido. ⇒ Wow! Thanks, sorry. I'm so happy. （I'm so glad. I'm so glad.) English translation: Thank you. |
scene2 When someone picks up a lost item
| Did you drop this? （kore otosimasitaka?) English translation: Did you drop this? ⇒Ah, sorry. (a, sumimasen.) English translation: Thank you. |
3. the invocation "excuse me
scene1 Calling a waiter in a restaurant
| Sorry. (sumimasen.) English translation: Excuse me. |
scene2 Asking for directions
| Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the library? (sumimasenga,tosyokaneno michinoriwo osiete itadakemasenka?) English translation: Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the library? |
scene3: When you want to ask someone to move out of the way on a crowded train, etc.
| Sorry, please let me through. (sumimasen,toositekudasai.) English translation: Excuse me. |
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summary
In this article, we have explained in detail the meaning and usage of "excuse me".
Sumimasen," which Japanese say many times a day, has many meanings other than "I'm sorry," including gratitude and a call to action.
It may seem a little complicated for foreigners, but once you get used to Japan, "Sumimasen" should come naturally.
Let's master "Sumimasen" and become able to speak natural Japanese!
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