24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Saying Sorry
Sorry is a small word with huge power, especially in Japanese culture where politeness and respect are key. Whether you’re brushing up on your language skills or preparing for a trip, knowing how to apologize sincerely can make all the difference.
Japanese offers a variety of ways to say sorry, each suited for different situations—from casual slip-ups to formal mistakes. It’s not just about the words but the feeling behind them, and learning these phrases will help you express that perfectly.
Understanding these apologies will also give you insight into Japanese social norms and deepen your language journey. You’ll feel more confident and connected when you communicate with native speakers.
Ready to explore 24 essential Japanese phrases for saying sorry? This listicle breaks them down in a friendly, easy-to-understand way so you can start using them immediately. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in pronunciation tips and helpful context.
Mastering apologies is more than polite—it’s a bridge to better relationships and smoother conversations. So let’s jump in and make those heartfelt “I’m sorrys” truly shine!
Here’s to learning apologies that feel right and open doors to kindness and understanding.
Understanding the Basics of Apologizing in Japanese
Before diving into specific phrases, it helps to know the cultural framework behind apologies in Japan.
Apologies often involve humility and acknowledging responsibility. Bowing is a typical physical gesture that accompanies verbal apologies, adding sincerity and respect. The language reflects this with levels of politeness and formality.
Familiarizing yourself with these basics will make learning phrases easier and more meaningful.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
Remember, it’s not just about words but also tone and body language.
Keep this in mind as you explore the phrases below—it will help you avoid awkward moments and sound more natural.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. ごめん (Gomen) – Go-men (Go-men)
The most common casual way to say “sorry” among friends and family.
It’s short and sweet, perfect for minor mistakes like bumping into someone or being a little late. It’s easy to remember and widely understood.
Use it when you want to keep things light but still polite.
Gomen is less formal than other apologies but still shows you care.
You might hear it combined as ごめんね (gomen ne), adding a softening nuance like “sorry about that!”
Try using this with people you’re close to, and you’ll sound natural and friendly.
2. ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) – Go-men na-sai (Go-men na-sigh)
A polite upgrade from ごめん, suitable for situations needing a bit more respect.
This phrase is easy to remember because it just adds “nasai,” which softens the apology and shows more seriousness. Practice by saying it slowly and clearly.
Use it with acquaintances or when you want to show genuine regret.
A common mistake is using it too casually with strangers—adding a bow helps maintain politeness.
Example: “ごめんなさい、遅れました。” (Gomen nasai, okuremashita.) means “I’m sorry, I’m late.”
It’s a versatile phrase that fits many everyday scenarios nicely.
3. すみません (Sumimasen) – Soo-mee-ma-sen (Sue-me-ma-sen)
Sumimasen means “excuse me” and also “sorry,” used for minor inconveniences or getting someone’s attention.
It’s easy to use and remember since it’s common in many contexts beyond apologies, like thanking or calling a waiter.
Great for beginner learners because it covers multiple situations.
Don’t confuse it with deep apologies; it’s more about polite acknowledgment.
Example: Accidentally stepping on someone’s foot? Say “すみません！” (Sumimasen!) quickly and sincerely.
It’s a handy phrase to have in your daily Japanese toolkit.
4. 申し訳ない (Moushi wake nai) – Mo-shee wa-ke nai (Mo-shee wa-ke nai)
A step up from casual, used to express strong regret or feeling of “no excuse.”
This phrase is more formal and humble, often used to admit a serious mistake. Practice the pronunciation slowly to get the rhythm right.
It’s useful when you genuinely want to show remorse.
A common mistake is using it in light situations where it sounds too heavy.
For example: “申し訳ないですが、今日は行けません。” (Moushi wake nai desu ga, kyou wa ikemasen.) means “I’m very sorry, but I can’t go today.”
Use this phrase to show you truly understand your fault.
5. 悪い (Warui) – Wa-roo-ee (Wa-roo-ee)
Literally means “bad,” but used casually among friends to say “my bad” or “sorry.”
It’s super casual and best reserved for close friends or informal situations. Easy to say and remember.
This phrase adds a lighthearted tone to apologies.
Be careful not to use it in formal or serious contexts.
Example: “悪い、遅れた！” (Warui, okureta!) means “My bad, I’m late!”
Perfect for keeping things friendly and casual.
6. ちょっと待って (Chotto matte) – Cho-tto mat-te (Cho-to mat-te)
While not an apology itself, it’s often paired with a quick “sorry” when you need a moment.
It means “wait a moment,” and is easy to remember because it’s common in daily interactions.
Using this phrase shows politeness when you’re running late or need to pause.
Don’t misuse it to delay without explanation.
Example: “ごめん、ちょっと待って！” (Gomen, chotto matte!) means “Sorry, wait a moment!”
Great for casual conversation when timing is tight.
7. 悪かった (Warukatta) – Wa-ru-ka-tta (Wa-roo-ka-tta)
This is the past tense of 悪い, meaning “it was bad” or “my fault.”
It’s a casual way to admit a mistake after it’s happened and is easy to say once you know 悪い.
Helpful to sound more natural when acknowledging a specific fault.
Use with friends or family, but avoid formal situations.
Example: “昨日は悪かったよ。” (Kinou wa warukatta yo.) means “I was wrong yesterday.”
It shows maturity in owning up to mistakes.
8. すまん (Suman) – Soo-man (Sue-man)
A very casual, almost masculine way to say sorry, mostly used among close male friends.
It’s short and easy to say but can come across as rough if used improperly.
Stick to close friends or informal groups for this one.
Don’t use it in formal or mixed company.
Example: “すまん、忘れた！” (Suman, wasureta!) means “Sorry, I forgot!”
Great for casual, friendly settings.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. 申し訳ございません (Moushi wake gozaimasen) – Mo-shee wa-ke go-zai-ma-sen (Mo-shee wa-ke go-zai-ma-sen)
The most formal, humble apology phrase, often used in business or serious situations.
It’s a longer version of 申し訳ない and shows deep regret and respect. Practice this phrase slowly to get the formal tone right.
Perfect for customer service or formal letters.
Never use this casually; it sounds too stiff among friends.
Example: “ご迷惑をおかけして、申し訳ございません。” (Gomeiwaku o okake shite, moushiwake gozaimasen.) means “I deeply apologize for causing trouble.”
Use this phrase to express sincere, formal remorse.
10. お詫び申し上げます (Owabi moushiagemasu) – O-wa-bi mo-shee-a-ge-ma-su (O-wa-bi mo-shee-a-ge-ma-su)
Another very formal apology, often seen in written communication or official apologies.
It literally means “I humbly offer an apology.” Easy to remember by breaking it down into parts and practicing aloud.
Great for letters, emails, or formal speeches.
Avoid using it in casual conversation.
Example: “この度はご迷惑をおかけし、お詫び申し上げます。” (Kono tabi wa gomeiwaku o okake shi, owabi moushiagemasu.) means “I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused this time.”
Use this phrase to show utmost professionalism and humility.
11. 失礼しました (Shitsurei shimashita) – Shee-tsu-ray shee-ma-shi-ta (Shee-tsu-ray shee-ma-shi-ta)
Means “I was rude” or “excuse my rudeness,” commonly used after interrupting or inconveniencing someone.
Easy to use and remember for formal apologies in daily business life.
Helpful to soften moments when you’ve disturbed someone.
Don’t confuse it with deep apologies for serious mistakes.
Example: “会議に遅れて、失礼しました。” (Kaigi ni okurete, shitsurei shimashita.) means “Sorry for being late to the meeting.”
This phrase keeps things professional and polite.
12. ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません (Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen) – Go-mei-wa-ku o o-ka-ke shi-te mo-shee-wa-ke a-ri-ma-sen (Go-mei-wa-ku o o-ka-ke shi-te mo-shee-wa-ke a-ri-ma-sen)
This phrase means “I apologize for causing trouble,” and is great when you’ve inconvenienced someone significantly.
It’s long but very useful in formal and polite contexts. Practice slowly, focusing on rhythm.
Using this shows you understand the impact of your actions.
Be careful not to overuse; it’s best reserved for important apologies.
Example: “お客様にご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。” (O-kyaku-sama ni gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen.) means “I sincerely apologize for causing trouble to the customer.”
This phrase conveys deep responsibility and respect.
13. お許しください (O-yurushi kudasai) – O-yu-ru-shi ku-da-sa-i (O-yu-ru-shi ku-da-sa-i)
Meaning “please forgive me,” this phrase adds a humble request for forgiveness.
It’s polite and often follows a formal apology phrase. Easy to remember by associating “yurushi” with forgiveness.
Great for serious apologies needing a heartfelt ask.
Don’t use it casually; it’s quite formal.
Example: “今回のことをお許しください。” (Konkai no koto o oyurushi kudasai.) means “Please forgive me for this time.”
Use it to show sincere hope for reconciliation.
14. 深くお詫び申し上げます (Fukaku owabi moushiagemasu) – Fu-ka-ku o-wa-bi mo-shee-a-ge-ma-su (Fu-ka-ku o-wa-bi mo-shee-a-ge-ma-su)
This phrase means “I deeply apologize,” emphasizing the depth of your regret.
It’s formal and often used in official statements or serious personal apologies. Break it down into parts to practice.
Its use shows extreme sincerity and remorse.
Not suitable for casual conversations.
Example: “皆様に深くお詫び申し上げます。” (Minasama ni fukaku owabi moushiagemasu.) means “I deeply apologize to everyone.”
Great for expressing heartfelt, deep regret.
15. 恐れ入ります (Osore irimasu) – O-so-re i-ri-ma-su (O-so-re i-ri-ma-su)
A humble phrase meaning “I am sorry for the trouble” or “excuse me,” often used in customer service.
It’s a polite way to apologize or thank someone for their patience. Easy to remember by focusing on the polite tone.
Great for formal and professional settings.
Don’t overuse it in casual chats.
Example: “お時間をいただき、恐れ入ります。” (O-jikan o itadaki, osore irimasu.) means “Thank you for your time, I’m sorry to trouble you.”
Use it to maintain respect and politeness.
16. ご不便をおかけして申し訳ございません (Gofuben o okake shite moushiwake gozaimasen) – Go-fu-ben o o-ka-ke shi-te mo-shee-wa-ke go-zai-ma-sen (Go-fu-ben o o-ka-ke shi-te mo-shee-wa-ke go-zai-ma-sen)
This phrase means “I apologize for the inconvenience caused,” perfect for customer relations or formal notices.
It’s formal and respectful, with a clear focus on inconvenience. Practice by breaking it into manageable parts.
Use it to show you care about the other person’s experience.
Not for casual use.
Example: “ご不便をおかけして申し訳ございませんが、ただいま対応中です。” (Gofuben o okake shite moushiwake gozaimasen ga, tadaima taiou chuu desu.) means “We apologize for the inconvenience, we are currently addressing the issue.”
A great phrase for professional apologies.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. すまない (Sumanai) – Soo-ma-nai (Sue-ma-nai)
A casual but sincere way to apologize, often used by men in more serious casual situations.
It’s short and easy to remember, conveying a bit more weight than すまん.
Good for close relationships but with a tone of genuine regret.
Avoid overusing to keep sincerity.
Example: “すまない、助かったよ。” (Sumanai, tasukatta yo.) means “Sorry, you really helped me.”
It adds a native feel to your apologies.
18. 悪かったな (Warukatta na) – Wa-ru-ka-tta na (Wa-roo-ka-tta na)
A laid-back way to say “my bad,” adding a soft “na” at the end to sound more natural.
It’s easy to say among peers and shows casual ownership of fault.
Perfect for casual, friendly settings.
Don’t use in formal places.
Example: “悪かったな、また今度な。” (Warukatta na, mata kondo na.) means “My bad, next time!”
It’s a phrase that sounds like a native speaker.
19. わりぃ (Warii) – Wa-ree (Wa-ree)
A super casual, slangy version of “sorry,” popular among younger people.
It’s a shortened form of 悪い and very informal.
Use only with close friends.
Avoid in any polite or formal context.
Example: “わりぃ、忘れてた！” (Warii, wasureteta!) means “Sorry, I forgot!”
It’s great for sounding cool and casual.
20. ちょっと悪いけど (Chotto warui kedo) – Cho-tto wa-roo-ee ke-do (Cho-tto wa-roo-ee ke-do)
Meaning “sorry, but…” this phrase starts an apology while introducing a request or excuse.
It’s useful and easy to remember for casual, friendly apologies.
Helps soften requests when you inconvenience someone.
Don’t use it for serious apologies.
Example: “ちょっと悪いけど、手伝ってくれない？” (Chotto warui kedo, tetsudatte kurenai?) means “Sorry, but could you help me?”
It’s a helpful phrase for everyday casual talk.
21. 悪りぃな (Warrii na) – Wa-rree na (Wa-rree na)
A playful and casual apology, mixing slang and a friendly tone.
It’s a variation of わりぃ with “na” added for softness.
Good for informal settings.
Don’t confuse it with serious apologies.
Example: “悪りぃな、飲みすぎた。” (Warrii na, nomisugita.) means “Sorry, I drank too much.”
Perfect for light, friendly banter.
22. ほんとごめん (Honto gomen) – Hon-to go-men (Hon-to go-men)
“Really sorry” in casual speech, combining ほんと (really) with ごめん.
Easy to say and shows sincere regret in informal situations.
Great for close friends and family.
Don’t use it formally.
Example: “ほんとごめん、遅れちゃった。” (Honto gomen, okurechatta.) means “I’m really sorry I’m late.”
It sounds heartfelt and natural.
23. すっまん (Suman) – Su-man (Soo-man)
A playful, very casual shortening of すみません, used among friends.
It’s fun and easy to say but only for informal contexts.
Use it to keep things light.
Don’t use it in polite or professional situations.
Example: “すっまん、忘れてた！” (Suman, wasureteta!) means “Sorry, I forgot!”
Use it to sound relaxed and friendly.
24. 悪いね (Warui ne) – Wa-roo-ee ne (Wa-roo-ee ne)
A gentle way to say “sorry” with a soft “ne” ending to invite sympathy.
It’s casual, easy to remember, and sounds friendly.
Perfect for minor mistakes with friends.
Avoid using it formally.
Example: “悪いね、また今度遊ぼう。” (Warui ne, mata kondo asobou.) means “Sorry, let’s hang out next time.”
It’s a nice phrase to keep conversations warm and casual.
Concluding Thought
Learning to apologize in Japanese is a journey into the culture’s heart and respect for others. Each phrase carries its own nuance and social weight, and mastering them enriches your communication.
From casual “gomen” to deeply formal “moushiwake gozaimasen,” these 24 phrases give you tools for every situation, helping you connect authentically and kindly.
Keep practicing, stay sincere, and your apologies will open doors and deepen friendships wherever your language skills take you!