🤝 Basics & Manners
How to say “Excuse me / I'm sorry / Thank you” in Japanese
すみません
Sumimasen
normal / slow
Word-by-word breakdown
- すみませんsumimasenexcuse me / sorry
Usage & culture tip
Japan's #1 magic phrase! Call waiters, apologize when bumping into someone, or thank someone for holding a door.
Good for: Everyday greetings and polite manners, useful from your very first day in Japan.