すみません

sumimasen
expressionBeginner
formal

Excuse me, sorry, I'm sorry

すみません、遅れました。

I'm sorry I'm late.

すみません、ちょっと手伝ってください。

Excuse me, can you help me a bit?

💡

A polite expression used to apologize or get someone's attention.

Collocations

すみませんねI'm sorry, aren't I?

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

すみませんでしたphrase
I'm sorry (past tense)

💡Pro Tip

Politeness Level

Use 'すみません' in formal situations. For more casual apologies, use 'ごめん' or 'すまん'.

📖Word Origin

From the verb '済む' (sumu) meaning 'to be finished' and the polite suffix '-ます' (-masu).

📝Usage Notes

Use in formal situations to apologize or show respect.

Word Breakdown

すみ
to be finished
root
+
ませ
polite suffix
suffix
和英辞典