ごめんなさい

gomen'nasai
phraseBeginner💡 I'm sorry

ごめんなさい、遅刻しました。

I'm sorry, I'm late.

informal

An expression of apology, often used when one has made a mistake or caused inconvenience to others.

ごめんなさい、間違えました。

I'm sorry, I made a mistake.

ごめんなさい、今忙しいです。

I'm sorry, I'm busy right now.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to express regret or to apologize for minor issues.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Politeness Level

This phrase is more casual than '申し訳ありません' but still polite. Use it with friends, colleagues, or in everyday situations.

Gold Rule

Appropriate Usage

Use 'ごめんなさい' for minor mistakes or inconveniences. For more formal apologies, consider using '申し訳ありません'.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb '許す' (to forgive) and the suffix 'ない' (negative form) with the polite ending 'ます'.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is very common in daily life and is used to show politeness and respect. It can be used in various situations, from minor mistakes to more serious apologies.

Word Breakdown

honorific prefix
prefix
+
めん
from '許す' (to forgive)
root
+
ない
negative form
suffix
+
です
polite copula
suffix
和英辞典