すみません

• Reading: すみません
• Romaji: sumimasen
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.mi.ma.se.n/

Meaning

Sorry; excuse me; thank you (for your trouble). A versatile polite expression.

One of the most frequently used polite expressions in Japanese. Functions as an apology ('I'm sorry'), an attention-getter ('excuse me'), and even a form of gratitude when someone has done something for you. More polite than ごめん but less formal than 申し訳ありません.

Examples

1. すみません、駅はどこですか。 Excuse me, where is the station?
2. 遅れてすみませんでした。 I'm sorry for being late.
3. わざわざ来てくれてすみません。 Sorry for making you come all the way here.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, service encounters, apologies

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 済む (to be finished/settled). The negative form すまない conveys 'this matter cannot be settled' — expressing that one's debt of apology or gratitude cannot be fully repaid.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal