It is the standard, polite way to apologize for a mistake in professional or formal Japanese settings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for formal apologies in business and daily life.
- Expresses deep regret for mistakes or inconveniences caused.
- More polite and professional than 'sumimasen'.
Overview
- 1概要：この表現は「申し訳ない」という形容詞の丁寧語であり、日本語の謝罪表現の中でも非常に一般的かつ標準的なものです。相手への敬意を含みつつ、自分の非を認める強い意志を示します。2) 使用パターン：単独で謝罪として使うこともあれば、「〜してしまい、申し訳ありません」のように具体的な理由を添えて使うことも多いです。また、より丁寧な「申し訳ございません」という言い方も存在します。3) 一般的な状況：ビジネスの場でのミスや、顧客への対応、目上の人に対する失礼な振る舞いなど、公的な場面で必須のフレーズです。4) 類似語との比較：「すみません」はカジュアルで親しい間柄でも使えますが、「申し訳ありません」はよりフォーマルで、重みのある謝罪に適しています。「ごめんなさい」は友人や家族間での謝罪に限定されるため、ビジネスでは避けるべきです。
Examples
遅刻してしまい、申し訳ありません。
everydayI am sorry for being late.
ご迷惑をおかけして、大変申し訳ございません。
formalI am very sorry for the trouble I have caused.
あ、申し訳ありません。ぶつかってしまいました。
informalOh, I'm sorry. I bumped into you.
提出が遅れましたこと、申し訳ありません。
academicI apologize for the delay in submission.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません
I am sorry for causing you trouble.
お待たせして申し訳ありません
I am sorry for keeping you waiting.
ご連絡が遅くなり申し訳ありません
I am sorry for the delay in contacting you.
Often Confused With
Used for lighter apologies, thanks, or calling someone. It is less formal than 'moushiwake arimasen'.
Used primarily in casual settings with friends or family. It sounds too informal for professional use.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is standard in formal and business registers. It carries more weight than 'sumimasen' and demonstrates a higher level of sincerity. It is appropriate for both written and spoken communication when addressing superiors or clients.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often mistakenly use 'gomen' in business settings, which is unprofessional. Another common error is using 'moushiwake arimasen' with close friends, which sounds cold or overly formal. Ensure you match the level of apology to the gravity of the situation.
Tips
Use for serious professional apologies
When you make a business mistake, this phrase shows you take responsibility. Combine it with a brief explanation of the situation to sound more sincere.
Avoid using with close friends
Using this phrase with close friends or family can sound sarcastic or overly distant. Stick to casual apologies in those relationships.
The importance of formal apologies
In Japanese culture, the act of apologizing is often more important than the specific mistake itself. Choosing the right level of formality shows deep respect for the other person.
Word Origin
The word comes from 'moushi' (the act of speaking/reporting) and 'wake' (reason/excuse). Literally, it means 'there is no excuse (that I can offer) for my actions.'
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, taking responsibility for one's actions is highly valued. This phrase serves as a verbal tool to restore harmony and show that you understand the gravity of your mistake.
Memory Tip
Think of 'moushiwake' as 'no excuse' (I have no excuse for my behavior). Combined with 'arimasen', you are saying 'I have no excuse, please forgive me.'
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsどちらも正しい日本語ですが、「申し訳ございません」の方がより丁寧で、接客やビジネスの場ではこちらが好まれる傾向があります。日常会話であれば「申し訳ありません」で十分丁寧です。
「すみません」は謝罪だけでなく感謝や呼びかけにも使える万能な言葉ですが、軽めの謝罪です。重大なミスや目上の人への謝罪には「申し訳ありません」を使うのが適切です。
友達に使うと非常に堅苦しく、距離を感じさせてしまいます。友達には「ごめん」や「ごめんね」を使うのが自然です。
はい、メールや手紙などの書き言葉でも非常によく使われます。特に謝罪のメールでは必須のフレーズです。
Test Yourself
会議に遅れてしまい、___。
遅刻というミスに対して謝罪をする場面なので、丁寧な表現が適切です。
次のうち、ビジネスシーンで最も適切なものは？
「申し訳ございません」は「申し訳ありません」よりもさらに丁寧で、ビジネスの場で最も好まれる表現です。
（大変 / 申し訳 / ありません / ）
「大変」は「申し訳ありません」の前に置いて強調します。
Score: /3
Summary
It is the standard, polite way to apologize for a mistake in professional or formal Japanese settings.
- Used for formal apologies in business and daily life.
- Expresses deep regret for mistakes or inconveniences caused.
- More polite and professional than 'sumimasen'.
Use for serious professional apologies
When you make a business mistake, this phrase shows you take responsibility. Combine it with a brief explanation of the situation to sound more sincere.
Avoid using with close friends
Using this phrase with close friends or family can sound sarcastic or overly distant. Stick to casual apologies in those relationships.
The importance of formal apologies
In Japanese culture, the act of apologizing is often more important than the specific mistake itself. Choosing the right level of formality shows deep respect for the other person.
Examples
4 of 4遅刻してしまい、申し訳ありません。
I am sorry for being late.
ご迷惑をおかけして、大変申し訳ございません。
I am very sorry for the trouble I have caused.
あ、申し訳ありません。ぶつかってしまいました。
Oh, I'm sorry. I bumped into you.
提出が遅れましたこと、申し訳ありません。
I apologize for the delay in submission.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
