Slang Bridge

Japanese & English slang and culture expressions

phrase

sumimasen

Reading: すみませんRomaji: sumimasen

Japanese: すみません

#everyday#spoken-common

Meaning

  • Used for apology, getting attention, or thanks.

Examples

  • Excuse me, coming through.
  • Thanks, that helped a lot.

Nuance

  • polite
  • multi-use

Notes

  • Overuse as thanks can feel heavy.