How to Say Excuse Me in Japanese
Learn how to say excuse me in Japanese: すみません (sumimasen) covers excuse me, sorry and thanks. Plus 失礼します, ごめんなさい, pronunciation, when to use each and culture.
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Quick answer
To say 'excuse me' in Japanese, say すみません (sumimasen, soo-mee-mah-sen). It's a do-it-all word meaning 'excuse me', 'sorry' and even 'thank you' depending on context. To get past someone, add ちょっと (chotto): すみません、ちょっと… For excusing yourself formally (e.g. entering a room), use 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu).
すみません
/soo-mee-mah-sen/ — Japanese
How to Say Excuse Me in Japanese
すみません is one of the most useful words in all of Japanese. A single phrase covers “excuse me”, “I’m sorry” and even “thank you” — which makes it indispensable, but also means you need a feel for when each meaning applies, and when a more formal phrase fits better.
The Standard Phrase
すみません — pronounced soo-mee-mah-sen (all-purpose)
Whether you’re flagging a waiter, apologising for bumping someone, or thanking a stranger for holding a door, すみません fits.
Copy the Phrase
The Japanese for “excuse me” is すみません (sumimasen, soo-mee-mah-sen).
The Many Uses of Sumimasen
| Situation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Calling a waiter / shop staff | ”Excuse me!” |
| Bumping into someone | ”Sorry!” |
| Someone holds a door / does you a small favour | ”Thanks (sorry to trouble you)“ |
| Getting someone’s attention to ask a question | ”Excuse me…” |
| Squeezing past on a train | ”Excuse me / pardon” |
This versatility comes from its literal sense — from 済む (sumu, “to be settled”) — implying “I haven’t repaid this yet”, a feeling that works for apology and gratitude.
Sumimasen vs. Other Phrases
| Japanese | Romaji | Use |
|---|---|---|
| すみません | sumimasen | Everyday “excuse me / sorry / thanks” |
| 失礼します | shitsurei shimasu | Formal “excuse me” — entering/leaving a room, hanging up |
| ごめんなさい | gomennasai | ”I’m sorry” — sincere personal apology |
| ごめん | gomen | Casual “sorry” (friends) |
| 恐れ入ります | osore irimasu | Very polite “excuse me / thank you” (formal/business) |
| 通ります | toorimasu | ”Coming through” — to pass in a crowd |
When to Use Shitsurei Shimasu
失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) literally means “I am committing a rudeness”, a humble way to flag that you’re about to do something that intrudes: entering your boss’s office, walking in front of a seated person, or ending a phone call (失礼します = “I’ll hang up now”). In business Japanese it’s everywhere. The past tense 失礼しました (shitsurei shimashita) apologises for an intrusion just completed.
Pronunciation Tips
- すみません — su-mi-ma-sen, said quickly and lightly; the first “u” is soft.
- The casual contractions すいません (suimasen) and すんません (sunmasen) are common in speech but keep the full すみません for polite situations.
- 失礼します — shi-tsu-rei-shi-ma-su, where しつ devoices to “shtsu” and the final す softens to “ss”.
A Cultural Note
Japanese social life runs on light, frequent apologies that lubricate interactions — saying すみません when someone does you a kindness reflects awareness of the trouble you’ve caused them, which is considered polite and considerate, not weak. A small bow naturally accompanies it. Mastering when to soften a request with すみません (and a polite 失礼します in formal settings) will make your Japanese feel markedly more natural and courteous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say excuse me in Japanese?
The all-purpose word is すみません (sumimasen, soo-mee-mah-sen). Use it to get attention, to apologise lightly, to squeeze past someone, or to call a waiter. For a formal 'excuse me' when entering a room or leaving, use 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu).
How do you pronounce sumimasen?
すみません is pronounced soo-mee-mah-sen, four-plus beats: su-mi-ma-sen. The first 'u' is light and the whole word flows quickly. In very casual speech it's often shortened to すいません (suimasen) or even すんません (sunmasen).
What does sumimasen literally mean?
すみません comes from the verb 済む (sumu, 'to be settled/finished'), so it literally means roughly 'this is not settled / I am not at ease' — i.e. 'I feel I still owe you'. That's why it works as both an apology ('sorry') and a thank-you ('thanks for the trouble'), as well as 'excuse me'.
What is the difference between sumimasen and shitsurei shimasu?
すみません (sumimasen) is the everyday 'excuse me / sorry' for getting attention or apologising lightly. 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) literally means 'I am being rude' and is a formal 'excuse me' used when entering or leaving a room, ending a phone call, or passing in front of someone — common in business and polite settings.
How do you say excuse me to get past someone in Japanese?
Say すみません or 通ります (toorimasu, 'coming through'). A natural combination is すみません、ちょっと通してください (sumimasen, chotto tooshite kudasai) — 'excuse me, please let me through'. On a crowded train a quick すみません with a small bow is enough.