"Japanese people say 'sumimasen' all the time. What are they constantly apologizing for?"
It's a question almost every foreigner asks. The answer:
"Sumimasen" is Japanese's most multi-functional word — it carries three different meanings: apology, thanks, and "excuse me."
This guide explains the three meanings of sumimasen, its etymology and history, how to use it in different situations, and how it differs from "arigatō" and "gomennasai" — all from a Japanese learner's perspective.
The three meanings of "sumimasen"
1. Apology ("I'm sorry")
The most basic use — meaning "I apologize" or "I'm sorry."
- "Okurete sumimasen" ("Sorry I'm late")
- "Butsukatte sumimasen" ("Sorry for bumping into you")
- "Kinō wa shitsurei shimashita, sumimasen deshita" ("Sorry about yesterday")
2. Thanks ("Thank you")
The use in places where you'd say "thank you" in English — and the one that confuses most foreigners.
- When someone yields the path to you: "A, sumimasen"
- When someone picks up something you dropped: "Sumimasen, arigatō gozaimasu"
- When tea is served to you: "Sumimasen, itadakimasu"
3. Calling out ("Excuse me")
The use when getting a stranger's or staff's attention.
- Calling staff at a restaurant: "Sumimasen, chūmon ii desu ka" ("Excuse me, can I order?")
- Asking for directions: "Sumimasen, eki wa dochira desu ka" ("Excuse me, where's the station?")
- About to bump into someone: "Sumimasen, shitsurei shimasu"
Why use "sumimasen" when you should say "thank you"?
This is the most cultural part.
When something is done for you in Japan, the feeling combines:
"gratitude" + "I'm sorry to have caused you the trouble"
In English, you'd want to say "Thank you" and "Sorry to trouble you" simultaneously — and "sumimasen" expresses both in a single word.
Concrete example When someone holds the elevator open for you:
- English: "Thank you!"
- Japanese sensibility: "Thanks" + "Sorry for the trouble I caused you" = "sumimasen"
Including the "sorry for the trouble" element makes the gratitude more polite.
Etymology and history
"Sumimasen" originally was written as "sumimasen" (済みません) — the negative form of the verb "sumu" (to be settled, to feel resolved).
- Muromachi period: "Sumu" begins being used in the sense of "feeling resolved"
- Edo period: "Sumimasen" ("my feelings aren't settled, I can't accept it") starts being used for apology, thanks, and requests
- Meiji period: Modern usage spreads
So the original meaning was "(by causing you trouble) my feelings aren't settled." Whether it's apology, thanks, or "excuse me," the core is consideration for the other person.
"Suimasen" and "Sunmasen"
In casual speech, the following variants are common.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| Sumimasen | Standard, polite, OK in writing |
| Suimasen | Casual / common among young people / not for written use |
| Sunmasen | Kansai-style / dialectal / very casual |
| Sumanai | Masculine / from older to younger person |
| Suman | Even more casual / for close relationships |
For business and writing, "sumimasen" is the standard. "Suimasen" is OK in speech but not in emails or documents.
More polite alternatives
- "Mōshiwake arimasen" (apology / business standard)
- "Mōshiwake gozaimasen" (apology / even more polite)
- "Osore irimasu" (calling out / requesting / thanking — versatile, polite)
- "Kyōshuku desu" (requesting / thanking, formal)
For superiors, business partners, and important situations, these are more appropriate than "sumimasen."
Use by situation
Restaurant
| Situation | How to use "sumimasen" |
|---|---|
| Calling staff | "Sumimasen, menu kudasai" |
| Adding to your order | "Sumimasen, nama-bīru okawari" |
| Pointing out a wrong dish | "Sumimasen, tanonda mono to chigau yō desu" |
| Asking for the bill | "Sumimasen, okaikei onegai shimasu" |
Konbini and shopping
| Situation | How to use "sumimasen" |
|---|---|
| Asking staff where something is | "Sumimasen, denchi wa doko desu ka?" |
| Declining a bag | "Sumimasen, fukuro irimasen" |
| Cashier declining money exchange | "Sumimasen, ryōgae wa ginkō de onegai shimasu" |
On the street, on the train
| Situation | How to use "sumimasen" |
|---|---|
| Asking for directions | "Sumimasen, Shinjuku eki wa dochira desu ka?" |
| Bumping into someone | "Sumimasen!" (reflexively) |
| Being offered a seat | "Sumimasen, arigatō gozaimasu" |
| Getting off a packed train | "Sumimasen, orimasu" |
Workplace and school
| Situation | How to use "sumimasen" |
|---|---|
| Arriving late (casual) | "Sumimasen, okuremashita" |
| Arriving late (formal) | "Okurete mōshiwake arimasen" |
| Asking your boss a question | "Sumimasen, ima ojikan yoroshii desu ka" |
| Receiving a document | "Arigatō gozaimasu, sumimasen" |
Pitfalls of "sumimasen"
1. Overuse weakens it
Many Japanese say "sumimasen" 20+ times a day, but for important apologies, "mōshiwake arimasen" conveys more sincerity.
2. "Sumimasen" alone is weak when you should be expressing thanks
"Tasukete moratte sumimasen" is weaker than "Tasukete itadaite arigatō gozaimasu, sumimasen." Putting the gratitude into clear words also matters.
3. For real apologies, "sumimasen" alone is insufficient
For major mistakes or causing real damage, combine:
- "Mōshiwake arimasen deshita" (expressing seriousness)
- "Fukaku owabi mōshiagemasu" (even more serious)
- "Hansei shite orimasu" / "Kongo wa ki o tsukemasu" (showing intent to prevent recurrence)
There are situations where "sumimasen" alone won't convey real sincerity.
"Sumimasen" vs. "Gomennasai"
| Word | Nuance | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Sumimasen | Slightly polite / social | Office, shops, trains, strangers |
| Gomennasai | Familiar / sincere apology | Family, friends, partners, children |
| Mōshiwake arimasen | Formal / business | Clients, supervisors, serious apologies |
| Gomen | Most casual | Close friends, family |
Using "gomennasai" in business situations can feel jarring to the listener. Stay with "sumimasen" or above.
When "sumimasen" doesn't translate
Many foreigners find Japanese "over-apologetic", especially in business negotiations. There:
- Overusing "sumimasen" can be misread as lacking confidence or leading with apology
- In Western settings, repeating "Sorry" can be heard as admitting legal fault
In international settings, clearly distinguishing "Thank you" (gratitude) from "I apologize" (apology) is more appropriate.
Mastering "sumimasen" advances your Japanese
For Japanese learners, naturally using "sumimasen" lets you:
- Express a polite warmth beyond formal keigo
- Lower the barrier to addressing staff and strangers
- Build closer rapport with Japanese people
"Thanks" and "Sorry" exist in many languages, but "sumimasen" carries a uniquely Japanese ambiguity — using it well takes experience.
FAQ
Q. Isn't it rude to say "sumimasen" instead of "thank you"?
A. Not rude — in fact, it expresses "consideration for the trouble I caused you" and often feels more polite. Don't replace "arigatō" entirely, though — the best approach is using both depending on the situation.
Q. What should I say to address a stranger on the street?
A. "Sumimasen, chotto okiki shitai no desu ga" is the safest. "Shitsurei shimasu" also works, but it's more about announcing your action than calling out. "Ano!" or "Chotto!" are too casual.
Q. Should I bow when saying "sumimasen"?
A. Yes — they naturally pair. A serious apology comes with a deep bow (30–45°); a casual call-out with a slight nod (about 15°). For details, see The Japanese Bow Explained.
Q. Can I use "sumimasen" in business email?
A. For internal email or casual external email, yes. For important apologies, first contact, or messages to executives, use "mōshiwake gozaimasen" or "osore irimasu" appropriately.
Q. Should I teach children "sumimasen"?
A. At home, the basics are "gomennasai" and "arigatō." By the time children enter society (late elementary to middle school), they naturally start using "sumimasen."
Q. I can't break my habit of overusing "sumimasen."
A. Common among foreigners and Japanese alike. Three principles to refine your usage: lead with "arigatō" when expressing thanks, keep "sumimasen" short for calling out, and choose words by severity for apologies.
Q. In Kansai, is it "sunmasen" instead of "sumimasen"?
A. In casual speech and conversation, "sunmasen" / "sunmahen" are common in Kansai. For business or first meetings, "sumimasen" is safer. Match dialect to your relationship with the listener.
Final thoughts
"Sumimasen" is a 6-character word that compresses an entire culture — one that places "the other person" before "myself."
- Used not just for apology, but for thanks and calling out
- The core is consideration for trouble caused to others
- Overuse weakens it; underuse feels cold — balance matters
- For important moments, distinguish "mōshiwake arimasen" and "arigatō gozaimasu"
The moment "sumimasen" naturally rolls off your tongue is the moment Japanese stops being just "language" and becomes "culture."
At Nihongo-tomo, we offer free vocabulary lists for greetings, thanks, and apologies. Learning expressions like "mōshiwake arimasen," "osore irimasu," and "shitsurei shimasu" — and when to use each — sharpens your Japanese conversation noticeably.
References / 参考・出典
- Web Iji Shinpō — The Evolution of "Sumimasen" — Linguistic explanation and history
- National Institute for Japanese Language — Characteristics of "Sumimasen" — Academic paper
- NLI Research Institute — "Gratitude" and "Apology": The Courage and Pride of Saying "Sumimasen" — Cultural perspective
- PLAZA HOMES — Knowing Japan's "Sumimasen" Culture — For foreigners
- Japanese Teacher N1et — Three Meanings of Sumimasen and How to Teach Them — Educator's perspective
This article reflects general modern Japanese usage as of May 2026. Use varies by region, generation, and situation.