Apologizing in Japanese!
\ Learn How to Say "I'm Sorry" the Right Way /
In Japanese culture, apologizing is not just a matter of manners. it’s considered a sincere expression of respect and responsibility. How you apologize can significantly affect the way your feelings are received by others. Depending on the relationship and situation, the wording and tone of your apology should change. For example, in casual settings or among friends, expressions like “gomen ne” or “gomen nasai” are appropriate. However, in business or more serious situations, you’re expected to use more formal phrases such as “moushiwake arimasen” or “fukaku owabi moushiagemasu.”
Learning Tips
- Combine words with actions.
- Use not only words but also facial expressions, a sincere tone of voice, and a bow to communicate your apology more effectively.
- Choose the appropriate expression based on the situation and your relationship.
- In Japanese, expressions of apology vary depending on your relationship with the other person and the level of formality required.
- Apologize before making excuses.
- Focus on the other person’s feelings first. An honest apology is more important than explaining your side right away.
1. Basic Expressions of Apology
- ごめんなさい
- “ごめんなさい” is a common Japanese phrase that means “I’m sorry.” It is used when you want to apologize for something you’ve done wrong, caused inconvenience, or hurt someone.
This phrase is often used in everyday conversation, especially between friends, family members, or when making casual apologies.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| ごめん。Gomen. | My bad. |
| ごめんなさい。/ すみません。Gomennasai. / Sumimasen. | I’m sorry. / (Excuse me) |
| 失礼しました。Shtsurei shimashita. | I’m sorry for the trouble I caused. |
| 申し訳ございません。Moushiwake gozaimasen. | I sincerely apologize. |
| 深くお詫び申し上げます。Fukaku owabi moushiagemasu. | I offer my deepest apologies. |
2. How to Respond Kindly to “Gomen nasai”
- おきになさらず
- The phrase 「おきになさらず」 means “Please don’t worry about it” or “Don’t let it bother you” in English. It is used to reassure someone after they’ve apologized or expressed concern, and it helps ease tension or make the other person feel more comfortable. This expression is very often used in daily conversation as a polite, considerate, and typically Japanese expression.
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| お気になさらず。Okini nasarazu. | Don’t worry about it. |
| 気にしないで。Kini shinaide. | Don’t worry about it. |
| 大丈夫です。Daijyoubu desu. | It’s okay / No worries |
| 私も悪かったです。Watashi mo warukatta desu. | I was at fault too. / It was my fault too. |
| 今後気を付けてくださいね。Kongo ki wo tsukete kudasai. | Please be more careful next time. |
Download Your Learning Materials
Below you can download the full lesson materials. Each lesson includes:
How to use:
- 1. Click on each link to download the PDF and audio ZIP files.
- 2. Extract (unzip) the audio file on your computer or use a ZIP app on your mobile device.
- 3. Listen to each MP3 file to practice pronunciation.
- 4. Use the audio along with the PDF or our web version for full learning support!
Download Links
All file names are in English and numbered to match the lesson order for easy use.
