by Tomoyuki Higuchi
How do you say “Excuse me,” in Japanese?
Today’s phrase is :
Excuse me,
すみません、
sumimasen*
*”すみません (sumimasen)” often becomes “すいません (suimasen)” in spoken language.
When you try to get someone’s attention and start to say something, you say “すみません”.
We also use “すみません” when we apologize for getting in someone’s way or bumping into someone.
Pronunciation