How to Say Sorry and Apologize in Japanese

How to Say Sorry and Apologize in Japanese The Japanese typically apologize far more frequently than Westerners. This probably results from cultural differences between them. Westerners seem reluctant to admit their own failure. Since apologizing means that admitting ones own failure or guilt, it may not be the best thing to do if the problem is to be resolved in a court of law. A Virtue in Japan Apologizing is considered a virtue in Japan. Apologies show that a person takes responsibility and avoids blaming others. When one apologizes and shows ones remorse, the Japanese are more willing to forgive. There are much fewer court cases in Japan compared to the States. When apologizing the Japanese often bow. The more you feel sorry, the more deeply you bow. Expressions Used to Apologize Sumimasen. 㠁™ã  ¿Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ It is probably the most common phrase used to apologize. Some people say it as Suimasen 㠁™ã â€žÃ£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ). Since Sumimasen 㠁™ã  ¿Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ) can be used in several different situations (when requesting something, when thanking someone etc.), listen carefully to what the context is. If you are apologizing that something has been done, Sumimasen deshita 㠁™ã  ¿Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œÃ£  §Ã£ â€"㠁Ÿ) can be used.Moushiwake arimasen. ç” ³Ã£ â€"è ¨ ³Ã£ â€šÃ£â€šÅ Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ Very formal expression. It should be used to superiors. It shows a stronger feeling than Sumimasen 㠁™ã  ¿Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ). If you are apologizing that something has been done, Moushiwake arimasen deshita ç” ³Ã£ â€"è ¨ ³Ã£ â€šÃ£â€šÅ Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œÃ£  §Ã£ â€"㠁Ÿ) can be used. Like Sumimasen 㠁™ã  ¿Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ, Moushiwake arimasen ç” ³Ã£ â€"è ¨ ³Ã£ â€šÃ£â€šÅ Ã£  ¾ 㠁›ã‚“) is also used to express gratitude.Shitsurei shimashita. Ã¥ ¤ ±Ã§ ¤ ¼Ã£ â€"㠁 ¾Ã£ â€"㠁Ÿ Formal expression, but it doesnt show as strong a feeling as Moushiwake arimasen ç” ³Ã£ â€"è ¨ ³Ã£ â€šÃ£â€šÅ Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ).Gomennasai. 㠁”ã‚ Ã£â€šâ€œÃ£  ªÃ£ â€¢Ã£ â€ž Common phrase. Unlike Sumimasen 㠁™ã  ¿Ã£  ¾Ã£ â€ºÃ£â€šâ€œ), the usage is limited to apologizing. Since it is less formal and has a childish ring to it, it is not appropriate to use to superiors. Shitsurei. Ã¥ ¤ ±Ã§ ¤ ¼ Casual. It is mostly used by men. It also can be used as Excuse me.Doumo. 㠁 ©Ã£ â€ Ã£â€šâ€š Casual. It also can be used as Thanks.Gomen. 㠁”ã‚ Ã£â€šâ€œ Very casual. Adding a sentence ending particle, Gomen ne 㠁”ã‚ Ã£â€šâ€œÃ£  ­) or Gomen na (㠁”ã‚ Ã£â€šâ€œÃ£  ª, male speech) is also used. It should be only used with close friends or family members.