Significado
A polite apology for making someone wait.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the 'Uchi-Soto' (Inside-Outside) social dynamic. When you make someone wait, you have inconvenienced them, and this phrase restores the balance. In business, time is sacred. Using 'Omatase-itashimashita' is not just polite; it's a professional requirement to show you respect the client's schedule. The variation '{待|ま}たせたな' (Mataseta na) is a famous trope for heroes arriving to save the day. Waiters say this even if the food comes out instantly. It's a way to acknowledge the customer's presence.
The 5-Second Rule
Use this phrase even if you think you aren't late. If the other person was there first, they 'waited'.
Don't over-apologize
For minor waits, 'Omatase-shimashita' is enough. Don't keep saying 'Gomen' or it becomes awkward.
Significado
A polite apology for making someone wait.
The 5-Second Rule
Use this phrase even if you think you aren't late. If the other person was there first, they 'waited'.
Don't over-apologize
For minor waits, 'Omatase-shimashita' is enough. Don't keep saying 'Gomen' or it becomes awkward.
The Bow
Always give a small nod or bow when saying this to increase the sincerity.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing part to make the standard polite phrase.
{お待|おま}たせ____。
The past tense 'shimashita' is used because the waiting is now over.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
You are meeting your best friend at a cafe.
With close friends, the casual 'Omatase' is most natural.
Complete the dialogue at a restaurant.
{店員|てんいん}：____。カレーライスです。 {客|きゃく}：あ、ありがとうございます。
This is the standard phrase used by staff when serving food.
Which phrase is the MOST formal?
Select the highest level of politeness.
'Itashimashita' is the humble form of 'shimashita', making it the most formal.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Common Situations
Food
- • Restaurants
- • Cafes
- • Delivery
Social
- • Meeting friends
- • Parties
Work
- • Meetings
- • Phone calls
- • Emails
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios{お待|おま}たせ____。
The past tense 'shimashita' is used because the waiting is now over.
You are meeting your best friend at a cafe.
With close friends, the casual 'Omatase' is most natural.
{店員|てんいん}：____。カレーライスです。 {客|きゃく}：あ、ありがとうございます。
This is the standard phrase used by staff when serving food.
Select the highest level of politeness.
'Itashimashita' is the humble form of 'shimashita', making it the most formal.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, that is too casual. Always use the full '{お待|おま}たせしました' or '{お待|おま}たせいたしました'.
'Itashimashita' is more humble and used in business or high-end service.
Still say it! It's a polite way to start the conversation.
You can say 'Iie' (No problem) or 'Daijoubu desu' (It's okay).
Yes, usually as '{返信|へんしん}が{遅|おく}くなり、{お待|おま}たせいたしました' (Sorry to keep you waiting for a reply).
It's very casual and a bit 'macho'. Only use it with very close friends or if you're roleplaying an anime character.
Because the act of waiting is finished the moment you arrive and speak.
No, this is only for the person who caused the wait.
Functionally yes, it often replaces 'Thank you for waiting' in English contexts.
Yes: '{長|なが}らく{お待|おま}たせしました'.
Frases relacionadas
{申|もう}し{訳|わけ}ありません
similarI am sorry (formal)
{失礼|しつれい}します
similarExcuse me
{待|ま}ってください
builds onPlease wait
{遅|おく}れてすみません
synonymSorry for being late
