Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
Need to say “I’m sorry for doing something” in Japanese?
Then it’s time to learn the grammar pattern:
👉 V-て + すみませんでした
This structure lets you apologize for an action you did — like forgetting homework, being late, or calling someone at night. Let’s learn how to use this essential phrase correctly and politely!
1. Grammar Structure
Pattern: Verb (て-form) + すみませんでした
= I’m sorry for doing ~
This form is used when you want to apologize for something you did in the past.
| Verb | て-form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 忘れる to forget | 忘れて | 宿題を忘れてすみませんでした。 I’m sorry for forgetting the homework. |
| 遅れる to be late | 遅れて | 授業に遅れてすみませんでした。 I’m sorry for being late for class. |
| 電話する to call | 電話して | 夜に電話してすみませんでした。 I’m sorry for calling at night. |
2. Polite vs Casual Apologies
When you are apologizing to someone in a close relationship (friends/family), you can apologize more casually by using ごめん.
お母さんのお菓子を食べてごめん。
Sorry for eating your snack, mom.
Note: Japanese has several ways to say “sorry,” depending on the level of formality and who you’re talking to.
| Expression | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ごめん | Very casual | Use with close friends or family. It’s the most relaxed way to say sorry. |
| ごめんなさい | Casual but more polite than ごめん | Common among friends or in casual but slightly respectful situations. |
| すみませんでした | Polite | Use with teachers, coworkers, or people you’re not very close to. |
| 申し訳ございませんでした, 申し訳ありませんでした | Very polite | A formal, humble apology used in business or serious situations. Stronger than すみませんでした. |
3. Apologizing for Not Doing Something
You can also use this structure to apologize for what you failed to do (“sorry for not …ing”).
To do this, conjugate the verb into the negative て-form (V-なくて form) followed by すみませんでした.
| Verb | Short [Plain] Negative | て-form | Expression |
|---|---|---|---|
| 行く to go | 行かない | 行かなくて | 行かなくてすみませんでした Sorry for not going |
| 送る to send | 送らない | 送らなくて | メールを送らなくてすみませんでした Sorry for not sending the email |
You can review the verb short form [plain form] in this article!
4. Example Sentences
- 宿題を忘れてすみませんでした。
→ I’m sorry for forgetting the homework. - 授業中に寝てすみませんでした。
→ I’m sorry for sleeping during class. - 夜に電話してごめん。
→ Sorry for calling at night. (casual) - 会社でたばこを吸ってすみませんでした。
→ I’m sorry for smoking at the office. - パーティーに行かなくてごめん。
→ Sorry for not going to the party. - 鍵をなくしてごめんなさい。
→ I’m sorry for losing the key.
5. Practice Time!
Use 〜てすみませんでした or 〜てごめん to apologize:
- [To your teacher] You forgot the textbook.
→ 教科書を忘れてすみませんでした。 - [To your friend] You didn’t go to their party.
→ パーティーに行かなくてごめん。 - [To your boss] You missed the bus.
→ バスに乗り遅れてすみませんでした。 - [To your mom] You lost the key.
→ 鍵をなくしてごめん。 - [To your friend] You told a lie.
→ うそをついてごめん。
🎯 Try writing 3 apology sentences: 1 polite, 1 casual, 1 using the negative form.
6. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- QWhat’s the difference between すみませんでした (Sumimasen deshita) and 申し訳ありませんでした (Mōshiwake arimasen deshita)?
- A
Both are polite ways to apologize for past actions, but
申し訳ありませんでしたconveys a much deeper level of regret, remorse, or responsibility.すみませんでした: Used for common inconveniences, minor mistakes, or when you feel bad for causing slight trouble (e.g., being late, forgetting something). It’s a standard polite apology.申し訳ありませんでした: Used for more serious errors, significant inconveniences, or when you are taking strong responsibility, especially in formal settings, business, or when addressing superiors. It expresses genuine shame or profound regret.
- QCan I use すみません (Sumimasen – present tense) to apologize for past actions?
- A
While
すみませんcan mean “sorry” or “excuse me,” it primarily refers to the present moment or an ongoing situation. For apologizing for a completed past action, you must use the past tense form:すみませんでした(Sumimasen deshita).すみませんでしたis specifically “I was sorry/I apologized (for what I did).”すみませんis more like “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry (for interrupting/bothering you right now),” or “Thank you (for a small favor).”
- QHow should I respond if someone says V-て + すみませんでした (or 申し訳ありませんでした) to me?
- A
There are several common and natural ways to respond, depending on the situation and your relationship with the person:
- 「いえいえ」 (Ie ie) or 「いいえ、いいえ」 (Iie, iie): “No, no,” often used like “Don’t mention it.”
- 「大丈夫ですよ」 (Daijōbu desu yo): “It’s okay,” “No problem.” This is a very common and versatile response.
- 「気にしないでください」 (Ki ni shinaide kudasai): “Please don’t worry about it.” (Polite) Or 「気にしないで」 (Ki ni shinaide) (Casual).
- 「とんでもないです」 (Tondemonai desu): “Not at all,” or “Don’t be silly.” (Polite, especially if the apology feels unnecessary or overly strong).
Conclusion
Now you can:
✅ Use 〜てすみませんでした to say “I’m sorry for doing ~”
✅ Use 〜なくてすみませんでした to say “I’m sorry for not doing ~”
✅ Choose the right level of politeness based on your situation
🎯 Practice: Think of 3 things you’ve done (or not done) recently, and try saying sorry in Japanese!
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