Say, for example, that I am in Japan and I bump somebody or I move in front of someone. How do I apologize for bumping or running into someone and how do I apologize for getting in someone's way?
I'm going there in two weeks and I don't want to be rude.
2007-03-16 19:43:03 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
As you have already seen, there are several ways to say "sorry" and "excuse me". The words in the direct translation in some cases can be interchanged.
Sumimasen = for casual social fopas. An all around, all purpose word. This is something you could use in the situation described above by you. You would say it as you pass them by. NOT if you stop and take the time to apologize. Generally, it is the faster but still polite way to apologize.
Shitsureishimasu = When being socially aggressive, like pushing through a crowd. More of a rushed sense. More of a "sorry, but I have to push you to get where I am going." feeling.
Shitsurei = a friendly "excuse me". A very casual air. Often said with a smile. Or, in some cases, if the person has a superiority complex, they might look down their nose at you and say this.
Gomennasai = Also translated "I'm sorry" would be the one you would want to use if you actually had to stop and apologize to someone for running into them, or getting in their way. To be really Japanese-like, you could say this over and over again while bowing again and again.
Gomen/Gomenne= These are the more casual and/or friendly forms of Gomennasai. You can use these to kids and children of about elementary school age. Not to adults, or again, you would seem rude.
By the way, one answerer said to try to say it monotone. I totally disagree. The more intonational inflection you put, the better, especially if you are a foreigner. If you, as a foreigner say it in a monotone manner, you would seem mean.
Hope that helps.
2007-03-16 23:31:12 · answer #1 · answered by Looking for the truth... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The others are right, it is "sumimasen" but they didn't say how to pronounce it. It sounds like (soo-mee-mah-sehn) with no accent on any specific syllable although "mah" has a higher pitch. Don't worry, you'll hear it at least 20 times before you even leave the airport.
sumimasen can also be used in almost everyway as in English. So, you can also use it to call a waiter or interrupt someone. It's a very useful word in Japan
2007-03-17 04:55:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sumimasen.
To be polite if you bump into someone or if they bump into you and they are polite about it...
Gomen nasai is usually only if you hit them so hard you knock them over or something... It is not necessary to apologize if it is understood that it was an accident. Sumimasen is just fine.
"Kare minna no iru mae de atashi no oshiri sawatta no!"
Only say that if someone bumps into you... and doesn't apologize or is rude.
Im kidding... Don't say that in public!
2007-03-17 15:50:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say sumimasen accompanied with a slight bow or nod of the head to indicate that you are sorry for what happened.
But if the guy/lady you bumped into is in big pain, it might be better to say gomen nasai plus the look of concern in your face.
As to moving infront of someone, sumimasen will do just fine.
2007-03-17 05:11:18 · answer #4 · answered by Ronin 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
excuse me = sumimasen
i'm sorry = gomen nasai
sumimasen is more common for bumping into somebody or getting in there way. but if you are in tokyo you will probably constantly be bumping into people and japanese usually don't apologize for bumping into you unless they feel they really hurt you so i wouldn't worry too much about being rude.
2007-03-17 02:56:10 · answer #5 · answered by jimiyash 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Excuse me is: sumimasen (as in bumping into someone)
Sorry is: gomen nasai
2007-03-17 11:07:51 · answer #6 · answered by null 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We need more kind inquiring people like you on this planet...
Excuse me - Sumimasen (most common)
Sorry - Gomen nasai (used when done something wrong like break something, hurt someone, etc.)
2007-03-17 06:19:00 · answer #7 · answered by Japan_is_home 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you go to Japan. Then you simply say, "Sorry" or "Excuse Me".
jeez, that was way too easy of an answer to your exact question.
2007-03-17 02:47:53 · answer #8 · answered by Stuckart 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
polite way is SU MI MA SEN...more frank GO MEN NE..
or GO MEN NA SAI. try to sound MONO tone...
2007-03-17 06:11:33 · answer #9 · answered by goldhondamai 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Hallow S - I study Jap... sumimasen
2007-03-17 02:52:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋