What does “Sumimasen” mean? In Japanese, “Sumimasen” serves two primary meanings: “Sorry” and “Excuse Me”. Learn the correct way to use “Sumimasen” and other ways to say sorry in Japanese.
Table of Contents
- “Sumimasen” Meaning
- Body Language When Using “Sumimasen”
- Alternatives to "Sumimasen"
- How to Respond to “Sumimasen”
“Sumimasen” Meaning
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“Sumimasen (すみません)” is a common Japanese word used almost everyday in daily life. The word “Sumimasen” is a versatile word whose meaning changes depending on the context of situations. “Sumimasen” has two primary meanings but also a third way to use it.
1.“Sorry.”
“Sumimasen” means “sorry” and is used to apologise. When you bump into someone or cause some trouble, say “Sumimasen” to show that you feel sorry.
2. “Excuse Me.”
“Sumimasen” also means “excuse me”. It is used to call out to someone such as a server at a restaurant, a clerk at a store, or when speaking to your boss or colleague at work. Use it to politely catch someone’s attention.
3. “Thank you.”
The last meaning of “Sumimasen” is “thank you”. When someone helps you, you can say “sumimasen” to express your gratitude. Although it is more common to say “arigatou” when giving thanks, “sumimasen” is used in situations when you feel thankful but also apologetic for causing trouble or inconvenience to others.
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Body Language When Using “Sumimasen”
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Body language accompanying “Sumimasen” is important for showing sincerity. In Japan, there are very specific types of body language to accompany “sumimasen”. .
- Raised Hand: In situations where “sumimasen” means “excuse me” to call for someone’s attention, e.g. calling for a server’s attention, a raised hand is common to signal that you are seeking attention. An apologetic nod is sometimes accompanied, in a sort of “sorry to trouble you when you’re busy but excuse me” way.
- Slight Nod and Bow: When using “sumimasen” to apologise for minor offences such as bumping into someone on the street, a slight nod combined with a slight bow is common to show humility.
- Bow: When apologising, a bow is commonly accompanied with “sumimasen” to show humility and respect. A deeper bow indicates a more serious apology, in this case, men will have their hands kept straight at their sides, while women will have their hands on their thighs.
- Hands Clapped Together: Among friends, apologies for minor offences are commonly accompanied with hands clapped together as if in prayer to indicate how sorry you are, such as when you’re late. A bow is sometimes accompanied by this motion.
Alternatives to “Sumimasen”
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There are many Japanese words used to apologise apart from “sumimasen”. For example, “Suimasen”, “Gomen” and “Shitsurei shimasu”.
Suimasen - すいません
“Suimasen” carries the same 3 meanings as “sumimasen” but in a more lighthearted and casual tone. To make it easier to pronounce, “mi” was changed to “i”, and it is only used in conversation and not in writing.
However, “suimasen” is considered impolite and does not show sincerity in apologising so avoid using it with superiors, in serious situations and when making earnest apologies. Especially in business situations, always use “sumimasen” or “moushiwake arimasen”.
Gomen, Gomennasai - ごめん・ごめんなさい
“Gomen” and “Gomennasai” are alternative ways to say “sorry” in Japanese. “Gomennasai” is the polite form (丁寧語, Teineigo) of “Gomen”.
“Gomen” and “Gomennasai” are used with children and between close friends. Avoid using it in business situations and with superiors. In those situations, use “sumimasen” or “moushiwake arimasen” which is politer.
Shitsurei shimasu, Shitsurei itashimasu - 失礼します・失礼いたします
“Shitsurei shimasu” means “excuse me” and is used to call out to someone or before entering a room. It is a more formal phrase than “sumimasen” and is used when speaking to superiors at work and before entering meeting rooms. “Shitsurei itashimasu” is the polite form (丁寧語, Teineigo) of “shitsurei shimasu”.
“Shitsurei shimasu” and “shitsurei itashimasu” is used in formal and business settings when speaking to superiors or people of higher positions. They are not used when speaking to subordinates, family members or close friends.
Moushiwake arimasen, Moushiwake gozaimasen - 申し訳ありません・申し訳ございません
“Moushiwake arimasen” means “I have no excuse” and is used for serious apologies. A more formal and politer version is “moushiwake gozaimasen”. “Moushiwake arimasen” and “moushiwake gozaimasen” are used to make sincere apologies, or to give thanks for causing trouble to others. They are only used with superiors and higher ups, it is unnatural to use among family and friends.
How to Respond to “Sumimasen”
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How should you respond when someone says “sumimasen” to you? The correct way to respond depends on who is speaking to you.
For family members and close friends, respond with:
- Don’t worry about it - 気にしないで (Kinishinaide)
- It’s okay - 大丈夫 (Daijobu)
For superiors etc. people of higher positions:
- It’s nothing - とんでもないです (Tondemonai desu)
If you were at fault, and want to apologise too:
- I’m sorry too - こちらこそすみません (Kochira koso sumimasen)
To Close
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To summarise, “Sumimasen (すみません)” can mean “excuse me”, “sorry”, and “thank you” depending on context and usage. There are alternative Japanese words for “sumimasen” that you can learn. When conversing in Japanese and carrying on with your life in Japan, use “sumimasen” to facilitate smooth communication.
