✅ Learn essential Japanese apology expressions for formal and polite situations
✅ Understand the subtle difference between present and past apology forms
✅ Subtitles in 12 languages help clarify nuance and context
This episode introduces two very formal expressions of apology: 「申し訳ございません」 and 「申し訳ございませんでした」. Both are widely used in professional, customer service, and highly respectful contexts. The choice between them reflects whether the speaker is addressing an ongoing matter or apologizing for something that has already happened.
Key Expressions and Meanings
These phrases are more formal than 「ごめんなさい」 or 「すみません」 and are often used in business, service industries, or when apologizing to someone of higher status. They convey deep humility and respect.
Multilingual Translations (12 Languages)
Expression 1
申し訳ございません
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Japanese | 申し訳ございません |
| English (US) | I sincerely apologize |
| English (UK) | I deeply apologize |
| Korean | 진심으로 죄송합니다 |
| French | Je vous présente mes excuses les plus sincères |
| German | Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig |
| Spanish | Le pido disculpas sinceramente |
| Portuguese (BR) | Peço desculpas sinceramente |
| Hindi | मैं दिल से माफ़ी माँगता हूँ |
| Indonesian | Saya dengan tulus meminta maaf |
| Vietnamese | Tôi chân thành xin lỗi |
| Thai | ผม/ฉันขออภัยอย่างจริงใจ |
Meaning & Usage
This is a very formal apology used in business or respectful settings. It can be used for current issues or when apologizing in the moment. It shows the highest level of humility without being casual.
Example Sentences
- ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。
– I sincerely apologize for the trouble caused. - 商品が遅れて届き、申し訳ございません。
– I deeply apologize for the delay in delivery.
Expression 2
申し訳ございませんでした
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Japanese | 申し訳ございませんでした |
| English (US) | I sincerely apologize for what happened |
| English (UK) | I deeply apologize for the trouble caused |
| Korean | 진심으로 죄송했습니다 |
| French | Je vous présente mes excuses pour ce qui s’est passé |
| German | Ich entschuldige mich für das, was passiert ist |
| Spanish | Lamento lo que ocurrió |
| Portuguese (BR) | Peço desculpas pelo ocorrido |
| Hindi | जो हुआ उसके लिए मैं क्षमा चाहता हूँ |
| Indonesian | Saya minta maaf atas apa yang sudah terjadi |
| Vietnamese | Tôi xin lỗi về những gì đã xảy ra |
| Thai | ผม/ฉันขอโทษสำหรับสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้น |
Meaning & Usage
This is also a highly formal apology, but it specifically refers to something that already happened. It shows acknowledgment of the past mistake and conveys respect by addressing it directly.
Example Sentences
- 昨日は大変失礼いたしました。申し訳ございませんでした。
– I was terribly rude yesterday. I sincerely apologize. - ご不便をおかけして申し訳ございませんでした。
– I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. - ご期待に沿えず、申し訳ございませんでした。
– I apologize for not meeting your expectations.
Final Note
This episode emphasizes the importance of formal apologies in Japanese. 「申し訳ございません」 is suitable for present or ongoing issues, while 「申し訳ございませんでした」 is best for past mistakes. Both expressions convey deep humility and respect, making them vital in business, service, and highly formal situations.