How to Say “Excuse Me” in Japanese (Sumimasen vs Gomen Nasai)

Last updated: April 22, 2026 / This page may contain affiliate links.

Wondering how to say “excuse me” or “sorry” in Japanese? The most common expressions are sumimasen (すみません) and gomen nasai (ごめんなさい).

These two expressions are both very common, but they are not used in exactly the same way. Sumimasen is more versatile and can mean excuse me, sorry, or even thank you in some situations, while gomen nasai is used more directly as an apology.

The Short Answer

If you want one safe and useful expression, use sumimasen .

Use sumimasen in these situations:

  • Getting someone’s attention For example, when calling staff or asking a question
  • Small apologies in public For example, when you bump into someone
  • Polite everyday situations A safe and useful choice when you are not sure

Use gomen nasai when you want to say sorry more directly, especially in personal situations.

How to Say “Excuse Me” in Japanese

The most common expression is sumimasen .

  • At a restaurant or café

    Sumimasen! すみません！ Excuse me! (calling staff)

  • Asking for directions

    Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? すみません、駅はどこですか。 Excuse me, where is the station?

  • Passing in front of someone

    Sumimasen, toorimasu. すみません、通ります。 Excuse me, I’m coming through.

  • Light apology in public

    Sumimasen, daijoubu desu ka? すみません、大丈夫ですか。 I’m sorry, are you okay?

    For example, you might say this when you lightly bump into someone in public.

  • When someone helps you (for example, carrying your bag)

    Sumimasen, tasukarimashita. すみません、助かりました。 Thank you, that really helped.
    Sumimasen, arigatou gozaimasu. すみません、ありがとうございます。 Thank you very much.

    In Japanese, sumimasen can express both gratitude and a sense of apology for the trouble.

How to Say “Sorry” in Japanese

For everyday Japanese, the two most common ways to say “sorry” are sumimasen and gomen nasai .

  • Sumimasen Polite / versatile / common in public situations
  • Gomen nasai More direct apology / personal situations

Sumimasen vs Gomen Nasai

The difference is best understood through real situations:

  • Talking to staff or strangers

    Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka? すみません、ちょっといいですか。 Excuse me, may I ask you something?

    Sumimasen is polite and natural when speaking to strangers or in public.

  • Light apology in public

    A, sumimasen. あ、すみません。 Oh, sorry.

    Sumimasen is commonly used for small apologies in everyday situations.

  • Apologizing to someone close

    Gomen nasai, watashi no sei desu. ごめんなさい、私のせいです。 I’m sorry, it’s my fault.

    Gomen nasai expresses a more personal or sincere apology.

Gomen vs Gomen Nasai

Both gomen and gomen nasai mean “sorry,” but they are used at different levels of politeness.

  • Gomen Casual / used with friends or family
  • Gomen nasai More polite / more sincere apology

Gomen is very casual and is typically used with close friends, family members, or children.

Gomen nasai is more polite and expresses a stronger or more sincere apology. It is safer to use when you are not sure about the situation.

Examples

  • When talking to a close friend

    Gomen, okureta. ごめん、遅れた。 Sorry, I’m late.
    Gomen, wasureta. ごめん、忘れた。 Sorry, I forgot.

  • Apologizing in a more serious or polite situation

    Gomen nasai, watashi no sei desu. ごめんなさい、私のせいです。 I’m sorry, it’s my fault.

Be careful: using gomen with strangers may sound too casual or rude.

In more formal situations, especially in business or professional settings, Japanese speakers often use more formal expressions such as moushiwake arimasen .

It is much more formal than sumimasen or gomen nasai.

This page focuses on everyday expressions, but it is useful to know that more formal options exist.

Which Should You Learn First: Sumimasen or Gomen Nasai?

Learn sumimasen first.

It is one of the most useful Japanese expressions because it can be used in many everyday situations. After that, learn gomen nasai as a more direct way to apologize.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes learners make:

  • Using gomen or gomen nasai with strangers These expressions can sound too casual or too personal in some situations.
  • Thinking sumimasen only means “sorry” It can also mean “excuse me” or even “thank you,” depending on the situation.
  • Using only one expression everywhere The best choice depends on the situation and the person you are speaking to.

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