Japanese dictionary
How to say "Excuse me" in Japanese
すみませんすみません · sumimasen
"Excuse me" in Japanese is すみません (sumimasen). It is used to get attention, to apologize and even to say thank you.
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Ways to say "Excuse me" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| すみませんすみません · sumimasen | Excuse me; sorry; thank you. |
| 失礼しますしつれいします · shitsurei shimasu | Excuse me (entering, leaving, interrupting). Polite. |
| ちょっといいですかちょっといいですか · chotto ii desu ka | Excuse me, do you have a moment? |
How to use it
When entering or leaving a room, or ending a phone call, say 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu).
To call a server at a restaurant, say すみません and raise your hand slightly.
Example sentences
- すみません、駅はどこですか。Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka.Excuse me, where is the station?
- すみません、注文をお願いします。Sumimasen, chūmon o onegai shimasu.Excuse me, we'd like to order.
- 失礼します。Shitsurei shimasu.Excuse me (as I come in).
- お先に失礼します。O-saki ni shitsurei shimasu.Excuse me for leaving before you.
- ちょっといいですか。Chotto ii desu ka.Excuse me, do you have a moment?
- すみません、通してください。Sumimasen, tōshite kudasai.Excuse me, may I get through?
Questions
Does すみません mean sorry or excuse me?
Both. すみません (sumimasen) is used to get attention, apologize lightly and even say thanks when someone does something for you.
What do you say when leaving the office before others?
Say お先に失礼します (o-saki ni shitsurei shimasu).
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.