Polite Ways to Say "Excuse Me" in Japanese
The most common polite way to say 'excuse me' in Japanese is 'sumimasen'. For softer or more formal situations, you can use 'shitsurei desu ga' or 'osoreirimasu ga'.
The most common way
sumimasen
Excuse me / I'm sorry / thank you (used to get attention, apologize, or express gratitude)
How to say it: The 'u' in 'su' is often devoiced, so it sounds like 's'mimasen'. Keep the pitch relatively flat with a slight rise on 'mi'.
Other ways to say it
- formal
shitsurei desu ga
Excuse me, but... (used to politely preface a question or request)
When to use it: When approaching a stranger or superior to ask for information or a favor, especially in formal settings.
- very formal
osoreirimasu ga
I'm terribly sorry to trouble you, but... (a highly polite way to get attention or make a request)
When to use it: In business settings or when speaking to someone of much higher status, to show deep respect.
- casual-polite
chotto sumimasen
Excuse me for a second (a softer, more casual way to get attention)
When to use it: When you need to briefly interrupt someone you know or a stranger in a casual context, like asking for directions.
- polite
sumimasen ga
Excuse me, but... (a polite way to preface a request or question)
When to use it: When making a request or asking a question in a polite manner, like asking someone to do something.
- formal
shitsurei shimasu
Excuse me for interrupting (used when entering a room, interrupting a conversation, or leaving)
When to use it: When you need to interrupt a meeting, enter a room, or excuse yourself from a situation.
In a conversation
- A
、。
Sumimasen ga, shio o totte itadakemasu ka.
Excuse me, but could you pass the salt?
- B
、。
Hai, douzo.
Yes, here you go.
- A
。
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you.
Common mistakes
ごめん→ すみませんGomen is casual and can sound rude to strangers or in formal situations.
失礼します→ すみませんShitsurei shimasu is specifically for entering or leaving a room or interrupting, not for casually getting someone's attention.