Page 182 - Easy Japanese - Learn to Speak Japanese Quickly! (TUTTLE)

the beginning of making a public speech; 2) leaving someone’s home or office;
3) on behalf of others in your group such as your family members or co-workers;
4) when greeting someone you previously met in case you inadvertently
committed a rudeness at that time; 5) and also for any slight inconveniences. The
offended person will usually acknowledge your apology and smilingly deny any
trouble was caused. This exchange is very common in the “apology first” culture
of Japan and is almost a ceremonial ritual for maintaining harmony.

There are equally many—about 20 or so—ways of expressing apology
ranging in formality and depth. Consider your relationship with the offended and
how severe the offence was to choose the right expression. The most common—
and safest—is Sumimasen and add dōmo or taihen to express that you are very
sorry. Gomen, on the other hand, is casual and is typically used between friends
and family. Children and females would more likely use the gentler version

Gomen nasai. The formal Mōshiwake arimasen and its more polite version
mōshiwake gozaimasen (lit., I have no excuse) are typically used by service
staff. Remember to change the phrases to the past or Non-past forms depending
on when the incident occurred.
There are three things to consider when apologizing. First, remember that
how you say something is more important than what you say. Synchronize your
facial expression, tone of voice, and body language with what you are saying.

When apologizing, remember to bow—the deeper the bow, the more sincerity
you are expressing. The stiffer the body and the finger tips, the more formal.
However, too deep a bow can be interpreted as conveying sarcasm. So, observe
how Japanese people bow in different situations and follow accordingly.
Second, when you express what you are apologizing for, use the te-form,

which indicates a chronological order but not necessarily a direct causal relation.
e.g., Okurete sumimasen “I’m sorry for being late.” Do not use kara, which
indicates the causal relation and sounds less sincere.
Third, you cannot use these expressions exactly like “I’m sorry” in English.
In emotion-laden situations like a co-worker losing a family member, Japanese
people usually exchange certain ritual expressions. NEVER say sumimasen,
unless you were responsible for the death.

PATTERN PRACTICE 3

Cue: Wakarimashita ka. Did you understand?
Response: Un wakatta. Yes, I did.