Translation
excuse me; sorry; thank you (for the trouble)
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Word origin
The negative polite form of 済む (to be settled): literally 'it is not settled', meaning you feel you cannot repay a favour or an offence. That is why it works for both 'sorry' and 'thanks'.
- Origin
- Native Japanese (wago)
- Root
- 済む
Examples
、。
Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka.
Excuse me, where is the toilet?
、ください。
Sumimasen, matte kudasai.
Sorry, please wait.
、お願い。
Sumimasen, kōhī o onegai shimasu.
Excuse me, a coffee please.
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Japanese · Free printables
すみません: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Japanese word "すみません" (excuse me; sorry; thank you (for the trouble)): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 1, lesson 17: すみません, から, まで and 11 more words.