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Japanese Day One

🤝 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.

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