How to Apologize in Japanese

Viewing videos requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Get the latest Flash player.
Showing 1-5

Part of the video series: Learn Japanese Greetings & Questions

Summary: Learn how to apologize in Japanese with expert Japanese language tips in this free online foreign language video clip.

Views: 4,796 | Tags: language, japanese, speaking, foreign, speak, anime, languages, foreign language


About the Expert

Yuu Asakura Born and raised in Japan, Yuu Asakura moved to Los Angeles after graduating from Tokyo University for Foreign Study where she acquired B.A. in linguistics and... read more

Conversations About This Video

  • Comments
    (1 comments)
  • Questions & Answers
    (0 questions) (0 answers)

domo sumimasen

Have a question about this video topic? Ask our community members and let them share their knowledge with you!
Ask A Question

Video Transcript

How to Apologize in Japanese

It is true that Japanese people say "Sorry" a lot. I did it, too. So here are two important words you need to know, especially going to Japan. The first word is "I'm sorry": Gomen Nasai. Repeat after me: gomen nasai. Sounds good. Be careful with those two "n"s right here, try to separate them. The first word "gomen" is sorry. And "nasai" adds politeness to it. Gomen nasai. Sounds good. Second one is "Excuse me". Sumimasen. Sounds good. Now we use "I'm sorry" or "excuse me" - gomen nasai, sumimasen - instead of "Thank you", because we think the other person did all the trouble for you; therefore you want to apologize to them. But actually means thank you. For example, you give me a gift, I will say, "Domo sumimasen". "Domo" is "Oh..." and '"sumimasen" is "sorry/excuse me". Those two words are very reversible. It can be sorry/excuse me. So instead of "thank you", you might hear those words.

Languages Ads

Community Members who...

  • Favorited this Video
  • Rated This Video

Check out what people are watching now
left_arrow right_arrow