How to Say "I'm sorry" in Japanese
The most natural way to say "I'm sorry" 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 'ごめんなさい' when you want to apologize sincerely. It is appropriate in most situations, whether casual or formal. For more serious apologies, consider using '申し訳ありません'. In casual settings, you can simply say 'ごめん'.
Say it out loud, get corrected
Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I'm sorry" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.
Examples in Japanese
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 遅れてごめんなさい。 | I'm sorry for being late. |
| ごめんなさい、あなたを傷つけたくなかった。 | I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt 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 '申し訳ありません'?
Use it in formal situations, such as business meetings or when addressing someone you respect.
Learn Japanese by speaking it
Two free conversations. No card needed.