Sumimasen: 1 Japanese Word, 3 Meanings (Excuse Me, Sorry, Thank You)
Home › Japanese phrases Phrase guide Guide: Aya (AI presenter) すみません su-mi-ma-sen 1 word · 3 jobs Excuse me! to get someone's attention (staff in a shop or restaurant) Sorry a small, light apology (squeezing past on the subway) Thank you when someone goes out of their way for you ▶ Short video Show in Japanese Read in: 简体中文 繁體中文 한국어 Español ไทย Machine translation by Google. Photo: MaedaAkihiko · CC0 Aya says it three ways 1. "Excuse me!" — getting attention In a shop or restaurant, raise your hand and say "Sumimasen!" to call the staff. 2. "Sorry" — a small apology Squeezing past people on a crowded subway? Say "Sumimasen" with a little bow. 3. "Thank you" — for a kindness When someone goes out of their way to help you, "sumimasen" works as a polite thank-you. It carries the feeling of "sorry for the trouble, and thanks." Show this screen Not ready to say it? Point at this. すみません Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you...




