すみません
sumimasen
Polite
Translations
1.
excuse me
2.
I'm sorry
Notes
The phrase 'すみません' is a versatile expression in Japanese used to apologize, to get someone's attention, or to express gratitude in a humble manner. It is considered more polite than 'ごめんなさい' (gomen nasai) for apologies, especially in formal contexts.
Tags
#apology
#politeness
#attention
Examples
すみません、道を教えていただけますか？
Sumimasen, michi o oshiete itadakemasu ka?
Excuse me, could you tell me the way?
すみません、遅くなりました。
Sumimasen, osoku narimashita.
I'm sorry for being late.
すみません、もう一度言ってください。
Sumimasen, mou ichido itte kudasai.
Excuse me, could you say that again?