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申し訳ない

B1 adjective #2,000 most common 6 min read

申し訳ない

Q: What's the difference between 申し訳ない and すみません?

すみません is a general-purpose word for 'sorry' or 'excuse me', usable in many situations. 申し訳ない carries a stronger sense of regret and responsibility, implying 'inexcusable', and is typically used in more formal or serious contexts.

Q: When should I use 申し訳ございません instead of 申し訳ない?

申し訳ございません is the most polite and formal version. Use it in business settings, when speaking to superiors, customers, or in situations requiring the highest level of respect and apology.

Q: Can 申し訳ない be used to say 'thank you'?

No, 申し訳ない is strictly for apologies and expressing regret. While すみません can sometimes imply thanks (e.g., for going out of your way), 申し訳ない never does.

Q: Is 申し訳ない always about a big mistake?

Not necessarily 'big', but it implies more than a minor inconvenience. It's used when you feel genuine regret and believe your actions caused significant trouble or were inappropriate.

Q: What does 'mōshiwake' mean on its own?

申し訳 (mōshiwake) means 'excuse', 'reason', or 'apology'. When combined with ない (nai), it becomes 'no excuse'.

Q: How do I respond if someone apologizes to me with 申し訳ない?

If the situation allows, you can say something like 'いいえ、大丈夫です' (No, it's okay) or '気にしないでください' (Please don't worry about it). The response depends on the severity of the issue.

Q: Is 申し訳ない used in written communication?

Yes, especially in formal written apologies, emails, or letters. However, in very formal writing, 申し訳ございません or 申し訳ありません are often preferred.

Q: Can 申し訳ない be used sarcastically?

While possible in certain contexts with specific intonation, it's generally not used sarcastically. Its inherent meaning is sincere regret, and using it falsely would be quite rude.

I'm really sorry for what happened.

moushiwake nai Top 2,000

Practice it

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Let's learn a word to say you're sorry in Japanese: 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai). It's like saying 'I'm really, really sorry!' You use this when you do something that makes another person unhappy or causes them a little trouble. For example, if you accidentally bump into someone, you can say 申し訳ない. It's a polite way to say sorry. It shows you feel bad about what happened. It's more than just 'sorry'; it means you feel you did something wrong and you want to say sorry from your heart. You can use it when you want to be very polite.

Let's talk about 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai). This Japanese adjective is a way to express a sincere apology. It's stronger than a casual 'sorry' and is used when you feel you've caused inconvenience or made a mistake. For instance, if you arrive late for an appointment, you might say 申し訳ない to the person waiting. It conveys a sense of regret and acknowledges that your actions might have caused trouble. Think of it as saying, 'I feel bad about this, and I apologize.' It's a polite and respectful way to handle situations where you need to show you're sorry.

The Japanese adjective 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) is a key phrase for expressing apologies, especially in situations requiring politeness and sincerity. It translates to 'inexcusable' or 'deeply sorry'. You'd employ this when you've inconvenienced someone, made an error, or caused any sort of trouble. For example, if you need to cancel plans last minute, saying 申し訳ない shows you understand the impact of your actions. It's more formal than 'sumimasen' and carries a stronger sense of personal responsibility and regret. Using it effectively demonstrates good manners and consideration for others.

申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) is a nuanced Japanese adjective expressing a profound sense of apology and regret, often implying that one's actions are 'inexcusable'. It sits on the more formal end of the apology spectrum, used when causing significant inconvenience, professional errors, or social faux pas. Unlike the simpler 'sumimasen', 申し訳ない carries a weight of personal accountability. For example, a business representative might use it when a product fails to meet customer expectations. It signals that the speaker recognizes the gravity of the situation and feels genuine remorse, acknowledging that no simple excuse can fully rectify the issue. Its usage highlights a cultural emphasis on maintaining social harmony through sincere expressions of regret.

In Japanese, 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) functions as a potent adjective signifying deep regret and the acknowledgment of fault, often translating to 'inexcusable' or 'deeply apologetic'. This term is employed in contexts where a significant imposition, error, or offense has occurred, demanding a level of contrition beyond a standard apology. It reflects a cultural value placed on acknowledging responsibility and the potential harm caused to interpersonal relationships or social order. For instance, in a professional setting, if a project delay impacts multiple stakeholders, 申し訳ない would be used to convey the gravity of the situation and the speaker's sincere remorse. The phrase inherently suggests that the speaker feels their actions lack sufficient justification, thereby underscoring their humility and respect for the offended party.

The Japanese adjective 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) represents a sophisticated expression of apology, rooted in the concept of having 'no excuse'. Its etymological origin points to the inability to offer a valid explanation or justification for one's actions, thereby implying a significant transgression or imposition. Culturally, it signifies a deep level of contrition, often employed in formal, business, or interpersonal contexts where maintaining face and social harmony is paramount. Its usage goes beyond mere politeness; it's an admission of fault and a profound expression of regret for causing inconvenience, distress, or damage. The phrase 申し訳ない embodies a cultural understanding of responsibility and the importance of acknowledging the impact of one's actions on others, often used when the speaker feels their conduct was truly beyond justification and warrants sincere remorse.

Word in 30 Seconds

申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) means 'inexcusable' or 'deeply sorry'.
It's a formal adjective used for sincere apologies.
Implies a strong sense of regret and responsibility.
More formal than すみません or ごめん.

Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese word 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai). It's an adjective that basically means 'sorry' or 'inexcusable'. Think of it as a more formal and sincere way to apologize than just a quick 'sorry'. It carries a weight of regret, suggesting that you feel responsible for causing some kind of trouble, inconvenience, or offense. You'll hear this a lot in situations where politeness and respect are key, like in business settings or when addressing someone older or of higher status.

The core idea behind 申し訳ない is the feeling that there's 'no excuse' for your actions. The word breaks down into mōshiwake (excuse, reason) and nai (not exist, no). So, literally, it's like saying 'there is no excuse'. This implies a deeper level of contrition than a simple apology. It's not just about saying sorry; it's about acknowledging that what you did was wrong and that you feel genuinely bad about it. It’s a fundamental part of Japanese etiquette, showing respect for others' feelings and maintaining harmony in relationships.

The roots of 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) trace back to classical Japanese. The key component, mōshiwake (申し訳), originally meant 'to speak' or 'to explain'. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the idea of providing a reason or an excuse for something. The addition of nai (ない), meaning 'not' or 'non-existent', transformed it into a phrase that literally means 'no excuse' or 'no explanation possible'.

This linguistic journey reflects a cultural emphasis on finding appropriate justifications for one's actions. In feudal Japan, being unable to provide a satisfactory excuse for a mistake or transgression was a serious matter. Therefore, the phrase 申し訳ない developed to express a profound sense of inadequacy in offering any justification for one's wrongdoing. It’s a way of saying, 'My actions were so wrong that no explanation can possibly make them right.' This historical context highlights the deep-seated politeness and accountability embedded in Japanese culture, making 申し訳ない a powerful tool for sincere apology.

申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) is a versatile adjective, but it leans towards formal and polite situations. You'd use it when you've caused a significant inconvenience, made a mistake, or even when you feel you're imposing on someone's time or kindness. For instance, if you're late for a meeting, accidentally break something, or need to ask for a big favor, 申し訳ない is a great choice.

Common collocations include pairing it with adverbs that intensify the apology, like hontō ni (本当に - truly) or makoto ni (誠に - sincerely). So, you might say 本当に申し訳ない (hontō ni mōshiwakenai) for a very sincere apology. It can also be used in its more polite verb form, 申し訳ございません (mōshiwake gozaimasen), which is even more formal and suitable for business or customer service contexts. Remember, it’s generally not used for very minor slip-ups where a simple 'ごめん (gomen)' would suffice among close friends.

Think of it as a scale: 'ごめん' (casual sorry) < 'すみません' (sorry/excuse me) < '申し訳ない' (apologetic/inexcusable) < '申し訳ございません' (very formal apology). Using 申し訳ない appropriately shows respect and consideration for the other person's feelings.

While 申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) itself is a core expression of apology, it often appears in set phrases that carry a similar sentiment. These expressions emphasize the depth of regret or the inability to offer a sufficient excuse.

申し訳が立たない (mōshiwake ga tatanai): This phrase literally means 'an excuse cannot stand'. It's used when you've done something so wrong that you cannot possibly justify it, and you feel deeply ashamed or unable to face the consequences. It implies a severe lack of justification. Example: 彼の裏切りに対して、私には申し訳が立たない。(Kare no uragiri ni taishite, watashi ni wa mōshiwake ga tatanai.) - Regarding his betrayal, I have no excuse.
顔向けできない (kaomuke dekinai): While not containing 申し訳ない directly, this idiom is closely related in sentiment. It means 'cannot face someone' due to shame or guilt. It strongly implies that you feel you've done something inexcusable. Example: 失敗してしまい、上司に顔向けできない。(Shippai shite shimai, jōshi ni kaomuke dekinai.) - I failed, and I can't face my boss.
身の置き所がない (mi no okidokoro ga nai): This idiom translates to 'not knowing where to put oneself'. It describes a feeling of extreme embarrassment or shame, often after doing something mortifying or inexcusable. You feel so awkward you don't know how to behave. Example: 皆の前で恥をかいて、身の置き所がなかった。(Minna no mae de haji o kaite, mi no okidokoro ga nakatta.) - I was embarrassed in front of everyone and didn't know where to put myself.
汗顔の至り (senga no itari): This is a more literary and formal expression meaning 'the height of embarrassment'. It's used when receiving unexpected praise or honor, feeling you don't deserve it and are deeply embarrassed by the compliment, implying you feel unworthy or have done nothing to warrant such recognition. Example: このような賞をいただき、恐縮の至りです。(Kono yō na shō o itadaki, kyōshuku no itari desu.) - Receiving such an award is the height of my embarrassment (meaning I'm deeply humbled and feel unworthy).

These expressions, while varied, all tap into the core feeling of regret and the acknowledgment of wrongdoing that 申し訳ない embodies.

申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) is an adjective, specifically a 'na-adjective'. This means it can function similarly to nouns and sometimes requires 'da' (or 'desu' in polite speech) when used predicatively, although in its base form 申し訳ない, it often stands alone as an apology.

Pronunciation:

IPA (Japanese): /mo̞ːɕiwake̞na̠i/
Breakdown: mo-u (long 'o') - shi - wa - ke - na - i
Sounds like: Imagine saying 'Mow-she-wah-keh-nah-ee'. The 'shi' is soft, and the 'u' in 'mou' is often very subtle, making it sound like a long 'o'.
British English approximation: MOH-shee-wah-keh-nah-ee
American English approximation: MOH-shee-wah-keh-nah-ee
Stress: The stress is fairly even across the syllables, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'mō'.

Grammar Notes:

As a na-adjective, it can modify nouns using 'na': 申し訳ないこと (mōshiwakenai koto) - an inexcusable matter.
In polite speech, it's often replaced by the verb form 申し訳ございません (mōshiwake gozaimasen) or 申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen). These are considered more formal and less direct than the adjective form.
It is not typically used in the plural form as it refers to a state or feeling.

Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese can be tricky due to syllable structure. Words ending in '-nai' are common, but the preceding sounds differ significantly. Examples with similar endings include: wakaranai (don't understand), ikenai (not good/forbidden), shiranai (don't know).

Fun Fact

The word originally related to the act of 'speaking' or 'explaining'. Over time, it came to mean the 'reason' or 'excuse' given, and then the lack thereof.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɔːʃiwakeɪnaɪ/

Sounds like 'MOH-shee-wah-keh-nah-ee', with a slightly longer 'o' sound at the beginning.

US /moʊʃiwakeɪnaɪ/

Similar to British pronunciation, with 'MOH-shee-wah-keh-nah-ee', the 'o' sound is like in 'go'.

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shi' too strongly.
Not elongating the initial 'o' sound (mō).
Adding an extra syllable or misplacing stress.

Rhymes With

wakaranai ikenai shiranai dekinai hayai

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Requires understanding of formal Japanese and context.

Writing 3/5

Choosing the right apology requires cultural and contextual understanding.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation and intonation matter for sincerity.

Listening 3/5

Recognizing the level of formality and sincerity.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

すみませんごめんはいいいえありがとう

Learn Next

申し訳ございません申し訳ありません謝罪する

Advanced

弁解の余地もない遺憾の意不徳

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjectives

申し訳ない + noun (e.g., 申し訳ないこと)

Verb Conjugation (-te form)

申し訳なく思う (feel apologetic)

Politeness Levels (Keigo)

Distinguishing between 申し訳ない and 申し訳ございません

Examples by Level

ごめん、遅れて申し訳ない。

Sorry, late inexcusable.

申し訳ない is an adjective used to apologize.

このペン、壊してしまって申し訳ない。

This pen, break have done inexcusable.

Using 〜てしまって adds a sense of regret for an action.

道を聞いて、申し訳ない。

Way asking, inexcusable.

Implies 'Sorry for bothering you to ask the way.'

静かにして、申し訳ない。

Quietly do, inexcusable.

Used when asking someone to be quiet, apologizing for the request.

間違ってごめん、申し訳ない。

Mistake wrongly sorry, inexcusable.

Combines 'gomen' (casual sorry) with 'mōshiwakenai' for emphasis.

待たせて申し訳ない。

Let wait inexcusable.

Means 'Sorry for making you wait.'

迷惑かけて申し訳ない。

Trouble causing inexcusable.

A common phrase for causing trouble.

お忙しいのに、申し訳ない。

Busy even though, inexcusable.

Used when interrupting someone who is busy.

約束の時間に遅れてしまい、大変申し訳ないと思っています。

Promise time to late ended up, very inexcusable think am.

〜てしまい expresses regret for an action.

この度はご迷惑をおかけし、誠に申し訳ない次第です。

This time trouble cause, truly inexcusable situation is.

誠に (makoto ni) adds sincerity; 次第です (shidai desu) indicates the state of being.

私の不注意で資料を汚してしまい、申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいです。

My carelessness by document dirtied ended up, inexcusable feeling with full am.

不注意 (fuchūi) means carelessness.

急なお願いで申し訳ないのですが、少し手伝っていただけませんか？

Sudden request by inexcusable but, little help could you give?

This combines an apology with a request.

ご期待に沿えず、申し訳ない結果となりました。

Expectations meet not, inexcusable result became.

A common phrase in business contexts for unmet expectations.

長らくお待たせしてしまい、大変申し訳ございません。

Long time let wait ended up, very inexcusable am.

長らく (nagaruku) means 'for a long time'. 申し訳ございません is a more polite form.

私のミスで、皆様にご迷惑をおかけしたことを深く申し訳なく思っております。

My mistake by, everyone to trouble caused thing deeply inexcusable feel am.

深く (fukaku) means 'deeply'.

この度は、ご不便をおかけしましたこと、心より申し訳なく存じます。

This time, inconvenience caused thing, heart from inexcusable know do.

心より (kokoro yori) means 'from the heart'. 存じます (zonjimasu) is a humble form of 'to know/think'.

お客様のご要望にお応えできず、大変申し訳ない次第でございます。

Customer's request to respond unable, very inexcusable situation is.

ご要望 (goyōbō) is a polite term for 'request'. 次第でございます (shidai de gozaimasu) is a formal way to express the current state.

私の不徳の致すところであり、弁解のしようもございません。

My lack of virtue's doing it is, excuse's way also not exist.

不徳 (futoku) means lack of virtue. 弁解のしようもない (benkai no shiyō mo nai) means 'there's no way to excuse it'.

ご期待に沿えない結果となり、誠に申し訳なく、重ねてお詫び申し上げます。

Expectations meet not result became, truly inexcusable, repeatedly apology offer do.

重ねてお詫び申し上げます (kasanete owabi mōshiagemasu) is a very formal way to apologize again.

この度の件では、多大なるご迷惑をおかけしましたことを、深く申し訳なく思っております。

This time's matter in, great deal of trouble caused thing, deeply inexcusable think am.

多大なる (tadai naru) means 'great' or 'immense'.

急なキャンセルで申し訳ないのですが、どうしても外せない用事ができてしまいました。

Sudden cancellation with inexcusable but, no matter what cannot miss engagement has arisen.

どうしても外せない用事 (dōshitemo hazusenai yōji) means an unavoidable engagement.

私の配慮不足により、皆様にご不快な思いをさせてしまったことを申し訳なく感じております。

My consideration lack by, everyone unpleasant feeling let have done thing inexcusable feel am.

配慮不足 (hairyo fusoku) means lack of consideration.

このような事態を招いてしまい、弁解の余地もなく、申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいです。

This kind of situation invited ended up, excuse's room also not exist, inexcusable feeling with full am.

弁解の余地もなく (benkai no yochi mo naku) means 'without room for excuse'.

ご期待いただいたにも関わらず、結果をお返しできず、申し訳ございません。

Expected even though, result return unable, inexcusable am.

〜にも関わらず (ni mo kakawarazu) means 'despite'.

今回の件で多大なご迷惑をおかけしましたこと、弁解の言葉もございません。

This time's matter in great trouble caused thing, excuse's words also not exist.

弁解の言葉もございません (benkai no kotoba mo gozaimasen) is a very formal way to say 'I have no words of excuse'.

私の不手際で、お客様にご不便をおかけしたことを、申し訳なく、また残念に思っております。

My clumsiness by, customers inconvenience caused thing, inexcusable, and regretfully think am.

不手際 (fudegiwa) means clumsiness or incompetence.

ご期待に沿えなかったことは遺憾の極みであり、重ねてお詫び申し上げます。

Expectations meet not was regret's extreme is, repeatedly apology offer do.

遺憾の極み (ikan no kiwami) means 'extremely regrettable'.

この度の遅延により、皆様のスケジュールに混乱を招きましたことを深くお詫び申し上げます。

This time's delay by, everyone's schedule in confusion invited thing deeply apology offer do.

混乱を招きました (konran o manekimashita) means 'caused confusion'.

私の知識不足から誤った情報を提供してしまい、大変申し訳なく存じます。

My knowledge lack from wrong information provided ended up, very inexcusable know do.

存じます (zonjimasu) is a humble verb.

貴社のご期待に沿えるよう努めてまいりましたが、結果として申し訳ないものとなりました。

Your company's expectations meet able to try have done but, result as inexcusable thing became.

努めてまいりました (tsutomete mairimashita) is a humble way of saying 'I have tried'.

今回のプロジェクトにおける私の判断ミスが、全体の進行を妨げたことを申し訳なく思っております。

This time's project in my judgment mistake, whole's progress hindered thing inexcusable think am.

進行を妨げた (shinkō o samatageta) means 'hindered the progress'.

ご迷惑をおかけしたこと、そしてご期待に沿えなかったこと、両方について深くお詫び申し上げます。

Trouble caused thing, and expectations meet not thing, both about deeply apology offer do.

This sentence covers both causing trouble and failing expectations.

私の配慮の至らなさが招いた結果であり、弁解の余地もなく、申し訳ない気持ちで一杯です。

My consideration's inadequacy caused result is, excuse's room also not exist, inexcusable feeling with full am.

配慮の至らなさ (hairyo no itaranasa) means 'lack of consideration/thoughtfulness'.

貴社のご期待を裏切る結果となりましたこと、誠に遺憾であり、弁明の機会をいただければ幸いです。

Your company's expectations betray result became thing, truly regrettable is, explanation's opportunity give if fortunate is.

裏切る (uragiru) means 'to betray'. 弁明の機会 (benmei no kikai) is a chance to explain.

今回の不手際により、皆様に多大なるご迷惑とご心労をおかけしましたことを、深く申し訳なく存じます。

This time's incompetence by, everyone great deal of trouble and mental anguish caused thing, deeply inexcusable know do.

ご心労 (goshinrō) refers to mental anguish or worry.

私の認識不足から生じた誤謬であり、この場をお借りして、関係各位に深くお詫び申し上げます。

My recognition lack from arose error is, this place borrow doing, related parties to deeply apology offer do.

誤謬 (gobyu) means 'error' or 'fallacy'. 関係各位 (kankei kakui) means 'all concerned parties'.

ご期待に沿えなかったばかりか、かえってご迷惑をおかけする結果となりましたこと、重ねてお詫び申し上げます。

Expectations meet not only, rather trouble cause result became thing, repeatedly apology offer do.

かえって (kaette) means 'on the contrary' or 'rather'.

私の判断ミスが招いたこの事態は、弁解の余地もなく、申し訳ないの一言に尽きます。

My judgment mistake caused this situation, excuse's room also not exist, inexcusable 's one word to concludes.

申し訳ないの一言に尽きます (mōshiwakenai no hitokoto ni tsukimasu) means 'it can be summed up in one word: inexcusable'.

貴社のご信頼を損ねるような事態を招いてしまいましたこと、弁明の機会を賜りたく、深くお詫び申し上げます。

Your company's trust damage like situation invited ended up thing, explanation's opportunity receive wish, deeply apology offer do.

信頼を損ねる (shinrai o sokoneu) means 'to damage trust'. 賜りたく (tamawaritaku) is a very humble request.

私の至らぬ点により、皆様にご不快な念を抱かせてしまいましたこと、心よりお詫び申し上げます。

My lacking points by, everyone unpleasant feeling hold let have done thing, heart from apology offer do.

ご不快な念 (gofukai na nen) means 'unpleasant feelings'.

私の不徳の致すところ、弁解の言葉もなく、ただ申し訳ないという思いに苛まれるばかりです。

My lack of virtue's doing is, excuse's words also not exist, just inexcusable that feeling by tormented only am.

苛まれる (saresaremareru) means 'to be tormented'.

貴社のご期待を裏切る結果となったばかりか、かえってご迷惑をおかけする事態を招いてしまいましたこと、弁明の機会を賜りたく、深くお詫び申し上げます。

Your company's expectations betray result became only, rather trouble cause situation invited ended up thing, explanation's opportunity receive wish, deeply apology offer do.

This sentence combines multiple layers of failure and regret.

私の認識不足から生じた誤謬が、学術界に与えた影響の甚大さを鑑み、弁解の余地もなく、申し訳ない限りです。

My recognition lack from arose error that, academic world to gave influence's immensity consider, excuse's room also not exist, inexcusable limit is.

甚大さ (jindaisa) means 'immensity' or 'greatness'. 鑑み (kangami) means 'considering'.

この度の件では、貴社のご信頼を損ねる結果となり、弁明の機会を賜りたく存じますが、それ以前に、私の不徳の致すところであり、申し訳ないという言葉に尽きます。

This time's matter in, your company's trust damage result became, explanation's opportunity receive wish know do but, before that, my lack of virtue's doing is, inexcusable that word to concludes.

This sentence is highly formal and complex, layering apologies and requests.

私の至らぬ判断が招いたこの事態は、弁解の言葉もなく、ただひたすらに申し訳ないという思いに駆られるばかりです。

My lacking judgment caused this situation, excuse's words also not exist, just single-mindedly inexcusable that feeling by driven only am.

ひたすらに (hitasura ni) means 'single-mindedly' or 'earnestly'.

ご期待いただいたにも関わらず、結果をお返しできなかったばかりか、かえってご迷惑をおかけする事態を招いてしまいましたこと、深くお詫び申し上げます。

Expected even though, result return unable only, rather trouble cause situation invited ended up thing, deeply apology offer do.

This complex sentence structure conveys multiple layers of failure.

貴社のご信頼を裏切るような事態を招いてしまいましたこと、弁明の機会を賜りたく存じますが、それ以前に、私の不徳の致すところであり、申し訳ないという言葉に尽きます。

Your company's trust betray like situation invited ended up thing, explanation's opportunity receive wish know do but, before that, my lack of virtue's doing is, inexcusable that word to concludes.

This sentence is highly formal and conveys deep remorse and a request for a chance to explain.

私の至らぬ判断が招いたこの事態は、弁解の言葉もなく、ただひたすらに申し訳ないという思いに駆られるばかりであり、貴社のご信頼を損ねましたことを深くお詫び申し上げます。

My lacking judgment caused this situation, excuse's words also not exist, just single-mindedly inexcusable that feeling by driven only am, your company's trust damaged thing deeply apology offer do.

This sentence combines multiple elements of apology and acknowledgment of fault.

Common Collocations

本当に申し訳ない

大変申し訳ない

深く申し訳ない

申し訳ない気持ち

申し訳ない次第

申し訳ないと思う

申し訳ない限り

申し訳ないと思わない

申し訳ないことをする

申し訳ない結果

Idioms & Expressions

"申し訳が立たない"

To be unable to offer a valid excuse; to be inexcusable.

彼の裏切り行為に対して、私には申し訳が立たない。

formal

"顔向けできない"

To be unable to face someone due to shame or guilt; to feel deeply embarrassed.

失敗してしまい、上司に顔向けできない。

neutral

"身の置き所がない"

To feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed, not knowing how to behave.

皆の前で恥をかいて、身の置き所がなかった。

neutral

"汗顔の至り"

The height of embarrassment; feeling deeply unworthy of praise or honor.

このような賞をいただき、汗顔の至りです。

formal/literary

"弁解の余地もない"

To have no room for excuse; completely inexcusable.

私のミスは明らかで、弁解の余地もなかった。

formal

Easily Confused

申し訳ない vs すみません (sumimasen)

Both are used for apologies.

すみません is more general, used for minor inconvenconveniences, getting attention, or even thanks. 申し訳ない implies deeper regret and responsibility, often suggesting the action was inexcusable.

すみません、道を教えてください。(Excuse me, please tell me the way.) vs. 遅れて申し訳ない。(I'm sorry for being late - implies more significant regret than just 'sumimasen').

申し訳ない vs ごめんなさい (gomen nasai)

Both are apologies.

ごめんなさい is a casual apology, suitable for friends and family. 申し訳ない is more formal and serious, used when you feel a greater sense of fault.

ごめんなさい、また遅れちゃった。(Sorry, I'm late again - casual) vs. お客様をお待たせしてしまい、大変申し訳ない。(Making the customer wait, I am deeply sorry - formal).

申し訳ない vs 許す (yurusu)

Related to the concept of apology and wrongdoing.

申し訳ない expresses your feeling of apology/regret. 許す means 'to forgive' and is what you hope to receive from the person you apologize to.

I apologized (申し訳ない) and hoped for forgiveness (許し).

申し訳ない vs 弁解 (benkai)

Both relate to explaining actions after a mistake.

申し訳ない implies a lack of valid excuse. 弁解 means 'excuse' or 'explanation'. You might say '申し訳ない、弁解の余地もない' (I'm sorry, there's no room for excuses).

He offered an excuse (弁解) but it was inexcusable (申し訳ない).

Sentence Patterns

A2-B1

Adverb + 申し訳ない

本当に申し訳ないことをしました。

A2-B1

Noun + を + Verb (〜て) + 申し訳ない

ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ないです。

B1-B2

申し訳ない + Noun + こと

それは申し訳ないことです。

B1-B2

申し訳ない + と思う/感じる

私はその結果を申し訳なく思います。

B1-C1

Formal equivalent: 申し訳ございません/ありません

ご迷惑をおかけし、申し訳ございません。

Word Family

Nouns

申し訳 (mōshiwake) excuse, apology, justification

Verbs

申し訳を立てる (mōshiwake o tateru) to make an excuse, to offer an apology

Adjectives

申し訳ない (mōshiwakenai) inexcusable, sorry, apologetic

申し訳なさ (mōshiwakenasa) feeling of apology, regret

謝る (ayamaru) to apologize (general verb)

謝罪 (shazai) apology (noun, formal)

失礼 (shitsurei) rude, impolite (often used as 'excuse me')

How to Use It

Formality Scale

Most Formal: 申し訳ございません Formal: 申し訳ありません Neutral/Polite: 申し訳ない Casual: すみません Very Casual: ごめん

Common Mistakes

Using 申し訳ない for very minor issues. → Use すみません or ごめん for small things.
申し訳ない implies a significant level of regret and is too strong for trivial matters, potentially sounding insincere or overly dramatic.

Confusing 申し訳ない with 許す (yurusu - to forgive). → 申し訳ない expresses apology; 許す is about receiving forgiveness.
While related, they are distinct concepts. 申し訳ない is about expressing your regret, not asking for forgiveness directly.

Using the adjective form 申し訳ない in very formal business settings. → Use the verb forms 申し訳ございません or 申し訳ありません.
The adjective form can sound slightly less formal or direct than the established polite verb forms in high-stakes business communication.

Overusing 申し訳ない. → Vary your apologies based on the situation.
Constant use of strong apologies can dilute their impact and make the speaker seem insincere or overly passive.

Direct translation of 'I am sorry' without context. → Consider the nuance: Is it a simple apology, an excuse, or regret?
Japanese apologies are highly contextual. 申し訳ない is specifically for situations where you feel responsible and regretful, often implying inexcusability.

Tips

💡

Connect to 'No Excuse'

Remember that 申し訳ない literally means 'no excuse'. Visualize yourself in a situation where you've truly messed up and can offer no justification – that feeling is key.

💡

Match Formality

Always consider who you're talking to. Use 申し訳ない for polite apologies to acquaintances or in slightly formal settings. Reserve 申し訳ございません/ありません for truly formal business or customer service interactions.

🌍

The Art of Apology

In Japan, apologies are frequent and nuanced. Mastering phrases like 申し訳ない shows respect and helps maintain smooth social relationships.

💡

Adjective vs. Verb Form

Remember 申し訳ない is an adjective. For a more polite verb form, use 申し訳ございません or 申し訳ありません.

💡

Emphasize the 'Mō'

Pay attention to the long 'ō' sound at the beginning (mō). It helps distinguish it and adds to the proper pronunciation.

💡

Avoid Overuse

Don't default to 申し訳ない for everything. Using it too often diminishes its impact. Save it for when you genuinely feel regret and responsibility.

💡

Evolution of Meaning

Think about how 'excuse' originally meant 'to explain'. The word 申し訳ない evolved from 'no explanation possible' to 'no excuse possible', showing a shift in emphasis towards accountability.

💡

Scenario Practice

Create mini-scenarios: 'You broke a colleague's pen', 'You were 10 minutes late for a casual meeting'. Decide which apology (ごめん, すみません, 申し訳ない) fits best.

💡

Pair with Intensifiers

Use adverbs like 本当に (hontō ni - truly) or 大変 (taihen - very) to strengthen your apology: 本当に申し訳ない.

💡

Noun Form: 申し訳なさ

You can also use the noun form 申し訳なさ (mōshiwakenasa) to talk about the 'feeling of apology' or 'regret'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone saying 'Mow, she wake, nigh!' when they accidentally cut your lawn with their mower. They feel terrible and have no excuse!

Visual Association

Picture a person bowing so low their forehead touches the ground, saying 'Mō-shi-wa-ke-na-i' with deep regret.

Word Web

Apology Regret Inexcusable Formal Polite Responsibility Mistake Trouble

Challenge

Try using 申し訳ない in a role-play scenario where you've made a significant mistake.

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: Literally 'no excuse' or 'no explanation possible'. Derived from 申し訳 (mōshiwake - excuse/reason) + ない (nai - not exist).

Cultural Context

Using 申し訳ない inappropriately (e.g., for minor issues) can sound insincere or overly dramatic. Conversely, failing to use it when required in formal settings can be seen as rude or lacking accountability.

In English, we might say 'I'm so sorry', 'I deeply regret this', or 'It's inexcusable'. The Japanese phrase carries a similar weight but is more culturally ingrained in formal apologies.

Often heard in dramas and news reports detailing corporate scandals or public apologies.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

遅れて申し訳ありません。(Sorry I'm late.)
ご期待に沿えず申し訳ない。(Sorry we couldn't meet your expectations.)
ご迷惑をおかけし、申し訳ございません。(We apologize for the trouble caused.)

Customer Service

ご不便をおかけし申し訳ございません。(We apologize for the inconvenience.)
品切れで申し訳ありません。(We are sorry, but the item is out of stock.)
対応が遅くなり申し訳ない。(Sorry for the delay in response.)

Social Gatherings

お待たせして申し訳ない。(Sorry for making you wait.)
急なキャンセルで申し訳ない。(Sorry for the sudden cancellation.)
道をお尋ねして申し訳ない。(Sorry to bother you for directions.)

Personal Mistakes

壊してしまって申し訳ない。(Sorry for breaking it.)
間違ってごめん、本当に申し訳ない。(Sorry I was wrong, I'm truly sorry.)
迷惑かけて申し訳ない。(Sorry for causing trouble.)

Conversation Starters

"If you accidentally bumped into someone, what would you say?"

"Imagine you forgot an important appointment. How would you apologize?"

"What's the difference between saying 'sumimasen' and 'mōshiwakenai' when you're late?"

"Can you think of a situation where 'mōshiwakenai' would be the most appropriate apology?"

"How does the feeling of 'mōshiwakenai' differ from a simple 'sorry' in English?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to apologize for something significant. What phrase did you use, or wish you had used?

Reflect on the cultural importance of apologies in Japan. How does 申し訳ない fit into this?

Write a short dialogue where one person apologizes using 申し訳ない and the other responds.

Compare and contrast the English phrase 'I'm sorry' with the Japanese 申し訳ない. What nuances are different?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions