Is "sumimasen" only for apologising?
In short
Good to knowNo. "Sumimasen" is also used to get someone’s attention, to ask people to let you pass and to say thank you.
When does this apply?
Calling a waiter in a restaurant, squeezing past people in a crowd, thanking someone who helped you: "sumimasen" works in all of these. For a direct thank-you, "arigato gozaimasu" is also great.
Why?
"Sumimasen" carries a feeling of "I am sorry to trouble you". That is why it came to be used both for apologies and for thanks.
What to do
- Say "sumimasen" to call restaurant staff
- Say "sumimasen" when you need to pass in front of someone
- Say "arigato gozaimasu" when you want to thank someone clearly
Better to avoid
- Keep shouting for staff loudly again and again
Exceptions and differences
For a more formal apology people say "moshiwake arimasen", and with close friends "gomen ne". The words change with the situation and relationship.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
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Sources
- Japanese Manners Do's and Don'ts(opens in a new tab)
- Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
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This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.