How to Say "Forgive me" in Japanese
The most natural way to say "Forgive me" in Japanese is ごめんなさい. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
Use this phrase when you want to apologize for a mistake or an inconvenience. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. You can say it when you bump into someone or when you need to ask for forgiveness for a larger issue.
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Examples in Japanese
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 遅れてごめんなさい。 | I'm sorry for being late. |
| あなたを傷つけてごめんなさい。 | I'm sorry for hurting you. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear ごめんなさい, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use 'ごめんなさい' instead of '申し訳ありません'?
'ごめんなさい' is more casual, while '申し訳ありません' is used in formal situations or when you want to show deeper regret.
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