24 Japanese Phrases to Say “Excuse Me” Like a Local

Want to sound like a local the next time you say “excuse me” in Japan? It’s easier than you think!

Whether you’re navigating crowded trains or politely getting someone’s attention, Japanese has plenty of ways to say “excuse me” that fit every situation. Some are casual, others more formal, and a few are downright native-level cool.

Learning these phrases will not only help you avoid awkward moments but also show respect for Japanese culture. Plus, it’s a fun way to deepen your language skills!

In this listicle, I’ll walk you through 24 practical Japanese expressions for “excuse me,” with easy pronunciation guides and tips for when to use each one. You’ll be slipping into local conversations with confidence in no time.

Mastering these phrases means smoother travel, friendlier interactions, and a little extra charm wherever you go in Japan.

Ready to start? Let’s dive in and uncover the perfect “excuse me” for every occasion.

Getting Started with “Excuse Me” in Japanese

Japanese has a variety of ways to say “excuse me,” depending on the situation. Knowing when to use each makes your communication flow naturally.

Some phrases are perfect for catching someone’s attention, others for apologizing or politely passing through a crowd. Context is key! This guide breaks these down for you.

Ready to sound natural? Let’s explore simple phrases to help you get started.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

With just a little practice, you’ll find it easy to pick the right phrase for any “excuse me” moment.

Let’s get into the first set of casual suggestions!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. すみません (Sumimasen) – soo-mee-mah-sen

Sumimasen is the most common and versatile way to say “excuse me.” It’s polite but casual enough for everyday use.

This phrase literally combines “sumu” (to end) and “masen” (negative polite form), roughly meaning “I haven’t ended [my apology/attention].” It works for apologizing, getting attention, or thanking someone.

Great for beginners, it’s your go-to phrase in crowded trains or when bumping into someone accidentally.

Keep it handy—it’s probably the first Japanese phrase you’ll use.

You can also use it to say “thank you” in a humble way after someone helps you.

Try using sumimasen next time you want to politely interrupt or pass by someone; it works like a charm!

2. ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) – goh-men nah-sigh

Gomen nasai means “I’m sorry” and is often used to apologize sincerely.

It comes from “gomen,” meaning “forgiveness,” plus “nasai,” a polite command form. It’s more apologetic than sumimasen and perfect if you’ve made a mistake.

Use this when you accidentally step on someone’s foot or interrupt a conversation.

Remember, don’t confuse it with casual “sorry” like “gomen,” which is less polite.

For example, if you bump into a friend, you might say, “Gomen nasai!” to show you’re truly sorry.

Using this phrase appropriately shows respect and care, deepening your connections.

3. ちょっとすみません (Chotto sumimasen) – choh-toh soo-mee-mah-sen

Adding “chotto” (meaning “a little” or “just”) makes sumimasen sound softer and more casual.

This phrase is perfect for politely interrupting without sounding too formal. It’s great for asking a quick question or getting a server’s attention.

“Chotto sumimasen” is easy to remember by associating “chotto” with “just a moment.”

Don’t overuse it in very formal settings, as it leans casual.

For example, say “Chotto sumimasen” when you want to quickly ask for directions in a store.

It’s a friendly, approachable way to get noticed politely.

4. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – shee-tsu-ray shee-mahss

Shitsurei shimasu literally means “I am about to be rude” and is used when entering or leaving a room, or interrupting someone formally.

It’s polite and perfect for office or business settings, showing respect before you act.

Think of it as a graceful way to say “excuse me” when you need to pass by or start a conversation.

Avoid using it casually—it’s for more formal moments.

For example, say “Shitsurei shimasu” when entering a meeting or leaving a boss’s office.

This phrase signals good manners and awareness of social etiquette.

5. すいません (Suimasen) – soo-ee-mah-sen

Suimasen is a casual and slightly shortened version of sumimasen, often heard in everyday conversations.

It’s less formal but still polite, making it great for casual apologies or grabbing attention in informal settings.

Use this with friends or in relaxed environments to sound natural.

Note that it’s not suitable for very formal situations.

For example, you might say “Suimasen” to a friend if you accidentally interrupt their phone call.

It’s a handy phrase to sound friendly and approachable.

6. おじゃまします (Ojamashimasu) – oh-jah-mah-shee-mahss

Ojamashimasu means “I am disturbing you” and is said when entering someone’s home or room.

It’s a polite way to say “excuse me” for interrupting or intruding, showing respect for the host’s space.

Great to remember if you’re staying with friends or visiting.

Don’t use it outside of entering homes or personal spaces.

For example, say “Ojamashimasu” when stepping into a friend’s house.

It reflects your good manners and appreciation for Japanese customs.

7. すみませんが (Sumimasen ga) – soo-mee-mah-sen gah

Sumimasen ga means “excuse me, but…” and is used to politely start a sentence when you need to interrupt or ask for something.

It softens your interruption, making it sound more courteous and less abrupt.

Easy to practice by pairing “sumimasen ga” with any question or request.

Remember not to use it when you don’t intend to follow up with a question or statement.

For example, “Sumimasen ga, where is the restroom?” is a natural way to ask politely.

This phrase helps you sound thoughtful and considerate in conversations.

8. ちょっといいですか (Chotto ii desu ka) – choh-toh ee dess kah

Chotto ii desu ka means “Is it okay for a moment?” and is used to politely ask for someone’s attention or permission.

It’s casual but polite and works well when you want to interrupt briefly or start a conversation.

Easy to remember by associating “chotto” with “a little” and “ii desu ka” with “is it okay?”

Avoid using it for very urgent matters, as it implies a gentle request.

For instance, say “Chotto ii desu ka?” before asking a question in class.

This phrase is a smooth way to politely break into a conversation.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 恐れ入ります (Osore irimasu) – oh-soh-reh ee-ree-mahss

Osore irimasu is a very formal way to say “excuse me” or “I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Used mainly in customer service or business contexts, it expresses deep respect and humility.

Perfect for formal emails or polite conversations with strangers.

Make sure not to overuse it in casual settings to avoid sounding stiff.

For example, a shop clerk might say “Osore irimasu” when addressing a customer.

It’s a polite phrase that raises your language game in formal situations.

10. 失礼いたします (Shitsurei itashimasu) – shee-tsu-ray ee-tah-shee-mahss

Shitsurei itashimasu is the humble form of shitsurei shimasu, used in very formal or business settings.

It expresses “excuse me” or “pardon me” with extra politeness and humility.

Commonly used when entering or leaving a workplace or during formal calls.

Don’t use this outside professional or formal contexts.

For example, an employee might say it when leaving a manager’s office.

Using this phrase shows you respect Japanese business etiquette.

11. 申し訳ございません (Moushiwake gozaimasen) – moh-shee-wah-keh goh-zai-mah-sen

Moushiwake gozaimasen is a very formal, deep apology meaning “there is no excuse.”

It’s perfect when you need to express sincere regret or say “excuse me” in an extremely polite way.

Often used in customer service or serious situations.

Avoid casual use to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

For example, a company might use this phrase to apologize for a mistake to customers.

It elevates your apology to the highest level of politeness.

12. お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) – oh-sah-kee nee shee-tsu-ray shee-mahss

Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu means “excuse me for leaving before you” and is used when leaving work before others.

It shows respect and acknowledges that you are leaving earlier than your peers.

Easy to remember by breaking it into “osaki” (ahead) and “shitsurei shimasu” (excuse me).

Don’t use it casually outside workplace contexts.

For example, say it when you leave the office before your boss or coworkers.

This phrase reflects good workplace manners in Japan.

13. お待たせしました (Omatase shimashita) – oh-mah-tah-seh shee-mah-she-tah

Omatase shimashita means “thank you for waiting” or “sorry to have kept you waiting.”

It’s a polite way to say “excuse me” when interrupting after a wait, showing appreciation for patience.

Great to use in customer service or formal social settings.

Avoid using it if the wait was very short or unexpected.

For example, a waiter might say this when bringing your order.

It adds a polite touch to your interactions.

14. お手数おかけします (Otesuu okake shimasu) – oh-teh-soo oh-kah-keh shee-mahss

Otesuu okake shimasu means “sorry to trouble you” and is used when asking someone for a favor or interrupting their work.

It’s formal and expresses humility and respect for the other person’s time.

Easy to remember by associating “tesuu” with “trouble” and “okake” with “causing.”

Don’t use it lightly; reserve it for genuine requests.

For example, say it when asking your coworker to review your report.

Using it shows consideration and builds good relationships.

15. ご無沙汰しております (Gobusatashite orimasu) – goh-boo-sah-tah shee-teh oh-ree-mahss

Gobusatashite orimasu literally means “sorry for the long silence” and is used after not contacting someone for a while.

It’s a formal apology or excuse for being out of touch, often in letters or calls.

Great for reconnecting politely with acquaintances or colleagues.

Don’t use it when you’ve been in close contact recently.

For example, start a phone call with “Gobusatashite orimasu” after months without speaking.

This phrase repairs social gaps gracefully.

16. 何卒よろしくお願いします (Nani tozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – nah-nee toh-zoh yoh-roh-shee-koo oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss

Nani tozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu means “Thank you in advance” or “please take care of this,” often used after politely excusing yourself.

It’s formal and conveys respect and hope for cooperation.

Easy to remember by linking “nani tozo” (please) and “yoroshiku” (well).

Avoid casual use among close friends.

For example, end a business email with this phrase after a polite excuse.

It helps maintain professionalism and goodwill.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. あの (Ano) – ah-noh

Ano is a casual filler word used like “um” or “excuse me” when you want to get someone’s attention.

It’s super common in casual speech and can soften your approach before asking a question.

Great for sounding natural and less stiff.

Don’t overuse it in formal settings, as it can sound hesitant.

For example, say “Ano…” before asking for directions from a stranger.

It’s a simple way to break the ice casually.

18. おい (Oi) – oy

Oi is a very casual and somewhat rough way to say “hey” or get someone’s attention.

Used mostly among close friends or younger people, it’s not polite and can seem rude if used incorrectly.

Perfect for casual, informal situations.

Avoid using it with strangers or elders.

For example, “Oi, wait up!” when calling a friend.

This phrase shows familiarity but use with caution!

19. ちょっと (Chotto) – choh-toh

Chotto alone can mean “excuse me” or “just a moment” in casual speech.

It’s a quick way to get attention or ask for a pause, often used with body language.

Easy to remember as it means “a little” or “just.”

Don’t use it for serious apologies.

For example, say “Chotto” when you want to interrupt a conversation briefly.

It’s a casual and handy phrase to know.

20. どうも (Doumo) – doh-moh

Doumo means “thanks” but can also be used like “excuse me” when combined with other words.

Alone, it’s informal and friendly, perfect for casual interactions.

Remember that it’s not a full phrase by itself for “excuse me.”

Don’t rely on it in formal settings.

For example, “Doumo, sumimasen” is a polite combo often heard in shops.

It adds a warm, approachable tone to your speech.

21. すっみません (Ssumimasen) – ssoo-mee-mah-sen

Ssumimasen is a slangy, drawn-out version of sumimasen used by younger people to sound casual or playful.

It’s not standard Japanese but common in friendly, informal contexts.

Great for sounding relaxed but avoid in formal situations.

Don’t confuse it with proper sumimasen to keep respect intact.

For example, a friend might say “Ssumimasen” jokingly after a minor mistake.

This phrase shows you’re comfortable with the language and culture.

22. ねえ (Nee) – neh

Nee is a casual way to say “hey” or “excuse me” when trying to get a friend’s attention.

It’s informal and friendly, great for conversations with people you know well.

Easy to remember as it sounds like “nay.”

Don’t use it with strangers or in formal contexts.

For example, “Nee, listen to this!” to start a chat with a friend.

It helps you sound like a native speaker in casual settings.

23. ちょい待って (Choi matte) – choy maht-teh

Choi matte means “wait a sec” and is a very casual way to say “excuse me” or ask for a moment.

It’s slangy and used mostly by younger people or friends.

Good to use when you want someone to pause briefly.

Avoid using it in polite or formal situations.

For example, “Choi matte!” when you want a friend to slow down.

This phrase adds a fun, relaxed vibe to your conversations.

24. おっと (Otto) – oh-toh

Otto is an exclamation like “oops” or “excuse me” when you make a small mistake or accident.

It’s very casual and spontaneous, perfect for lighthearted apologies.

Easy to remember by thinking of it as the sound you make when surprised.

Don’t use it for serious apologies or formal settings.

For example, say “Otto!” if you almost trip or bump into someone.

It’s a cute way to show quick awareness and politeness in casual moments.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 ways to say “excuse me” in Japanese opens doors to smoother, more respectful communication.

Whether you’re casual, formal, or just sounding like a local, these phrases help you connect naturally.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself navigating Japanese conversations with ease and confidence. Ganbatte!