Dictionary Answer
What Does "sumimasen" Mean in Japanese?
"Sumimasen" can mean "excuse me," "sorry," or even "thank you" (for trouble), depending on context.
Core Meanings
- excuse me
- sorry
- thanks (for trouble caused)
Examples
すみません、駅はどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the station?
遅れてすみません。
Sorry I'm late.
Common Mistakes
- Treating it as only an apology word.
- Missing its "attention-getting" function in daily conversation.
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FAQ
Does sumimasen mean sorry or excuse me?
Both; context determines the exact nuance.
Is it polite?
Yes, it is a very useful polite expression.
When should I use gomen instead?
Use gomen in casual apologies with people you know well.
Related Questions
What does "sumimasen" mean in Japanese?
sumimasen commonly means excuse me in Japanese, with meaning changing by context.
How do you pronounce "sumimasen" in Japanese?
A simple pronunciation guide is: soo-mee-mah-SEN.
How do natives use "sumimasen" in a real sentence?
Example: "すみません、駅はどこですか。" (Excuse me, where is the station?)
What is the difference between "sumimasen" and "arigato"?
sumimasen and arigato overlap in polite conversation, but they serve different roles depending on situation.
Open related pageHow can I practice "sumimasen" quickly?
Run a short mini-quiz first, then move missed items into a replay loop in StudyArcade.
Open related pageWhat should I learn after "sumimasen"?
Use the linked basics hub to follow a structured path from core meanings to quiz practice.
Open related page