SUMIMASEN, a versatile word | Easy Travel Japanese | Easy Japanese 2015 | NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN (2024)

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SUMIMASEN, a versatile word | Easy Travel Japanese | Easy Japanese 2015 | NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN? ›

SUMIMASEN has many different meanings: "I'm sorry", "thank you" and to get someone's attention.

すみません (sumimasen): Excuse me

すみません (sumimasen) is used to apologize, too, but the word itself is so much more versatile. In fact, sumimasen can be used for non-apologetic situations, like telling someone you're passing by or letting them go ahead first when entering a room.

Sumimasen – すみません

About: Technically, this is less “hi” and more “excuse me”, but it can certainly come in handy if you need to politely approach a stranger in Japan. You could use sumimasen to ask the time, for example, or to ask a store employee where to find something.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (Japanese: 日本放送協会, Hepburn: Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai), also known as NHK, is a Japanese public broadcaster. NHK, which has always been known by this romanized initialism in Japanese, is a statutory corporation funded by viewers' payments of a television license fee.

As mentioned already, "sumimasen" is the polite negative of a verb meaning "to be dealt with, to be cleared," though the Japanese parse it this way no more than English speakers parse the "sorrow" aspect of "sorry" (though it isn't unheard of for some souls to say "sumanai," which is the informal negative of that verb. ...

Arigato = Thank you. Sumimasen = I am sorry — or apologies.

MOSHIMOSHI is an expression you use when you make a telephone call. There are several explanations about its origin, but it is generally believed that it comes from MÔSU, a humble form of “say.” When telephones began to be used in Japan, telephone operators were at work.

When someone greets you in Japanese with “Konnichiwa” it is best to respond with the same phrase “Konnichiwa”. Even though it means “Good afternoon” or “Hello” and is usually used around noon or in the afternoon, it is common to…

Here, just take a look at what “domo” can mean. “Domo” (どうも) is a casual phrase that can mean “thanks”, “hi”, “hey”, or “sorry” depending on the context and situation.

The short answer: I love you in Japanese

The verb is aisuru (愛する), to love. And to say I love you in Japanese, you would say aish*teru (愛してる). Aish*teru is a gender-neutral term. So, to say I love you to a man, you'd say aish*teru yo, and to a woman, aish*teru wa.

Is sumimasen polite? ›

Along with gomen nasai, sumimasen (すみません) is also a popular way of saying sorry in Japan, and the two are usually used interchangeably. However, this phrase implies an even more casual tone.

Prefix: 日 (nichi) Meaning: Sun or day.

It's an affectionate way of saying “older brother,” usually written as 兄ちゃん, pronounced as 'knee-chan'. From 兄 (にい) 'older brother' + ちゃん affectionate suffix.

Kanji: 船 Romaji: fune. Meaning: ship, boat, watercraft, vessel, steamship, tank, tub, vat, trough.

"Sorry" is primarily used as an apology, while "excuse me" is for getting attention, apologising for small mistakes, asking for permission, or seeking clarification. By understanding when to use each phrase, you can communicate effectively and show respect in various social situations.

Normally sumimasen means “sorry,” but it has several meanings in Japanese. People use this word not only to apologize but also to express their gratitude or start a conversation.

“Sorry” is an adjective that we use for feeling distress, sympathy, disappointment, and more. There are many other situations in which it is appropriate to use it, and I will cover them in this lesson. “Excuse me” is a phrase we use to get somebody's attention, for interrupting, to judge with forgiveness, and more.