Punctuality is highly valued in Japanese culture, and it is important to apologize when you are late or cause a delay. In this blog post, we will explore how to say “I’m sorry for the delay” in Japanese, providing you with useful phrases to express your apologies when you find yourself running late.
遅れてごめんなさい (Okurete gomen nasai)
The most common way to apologize for being late in Japanese is by using the phrase “遅れてごめんなさい” (okurete gomen nasai). This expression conveys a sincere apology for the delay and is suitable for both formal and informal situations.
Examples:
- 遅れてごめんなさい。(Okurete gomen nasai.) – “I’m sorry for being late.” This phrase is a simple and straightforward way to apologize for your tardiness.
- お待たせしました。(Omatase shimashita.) – “I apologize for making you wait.” This expression can be used when you have caused someone to wait due to your delay.
Other Phrases to Apologize for Being Late
- 時間に遅れてしまいました。(Jikan ni okurete shimaimashita.) – “I’m sorry for being late for the appointed time.” This phrase explicitly mentions the delay in relation to the agreed-upon time.
- 予定より遅れてしまいました。(Yotei yori okurete shimaimashita.) – “I apologize for being late compared to the schedule.” This expression acknowledges that you were late in relation to a predetermined plan or schedule.
- お時間に遅れてしまって申し訳ありません。(Ojikan ni okurete shimatte moushiwake arimasen.) – “I’m sorry for being late for the designated time.” This phrase conveys a formal apology for your delay and shows respect for the other person’s time.
Conclusion
Apologizing for being late is an important aspect of Japanese etiquette. Whether you use the simple phrase “遅れてごめんなさい” (okurete gomen nasai) or opt for other related expressions, demonstrating sincere remorse for the delay is crucial in maintaining good relationships and showing respect for others’ time. Remember to adjust your language based on the formality of the situation and always strive to be punctual in Japanese culture.
