When you need to apologize for causing inconvenience or trouble to someone in Japanese, there are several phrases you can use to express your apologies sincerely:
- ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません (Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen) This phrase means “I apologize for the inconvenience.” It is a formal and polite way to express your regret for causing trouble.
Example: ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。もしよろしければ、お詫びの品をお持ちいたしました。(Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen. Moshi yoroshikereba, owabi no shina o omochi itashimashita.)- “I apologize for the inconvenience. If it’s alright with you, I brought a small token of apology.”
- ご迷惑をおかけしてすみません (Gomeiwaku o okake shite sumimasen) This phrase is a more concise way to apologize for causing inconvenience. It is also polite and commonly used in various situations.
Example: ご迷惑をおかけしてすみません。できるだけ早く問題を解決いたします。(Gomeiwaku o okake shite sumimasen. Dekiru dake hayaku mondai o kaiketsu itashimasu.)- “I apologize for the inconvenience. We will resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
- お手数をおかけして申し訳ありません (Otesuu o okake shite moushiwake arimasen) This phrase specifically expresses apologies for causing trouble or inconvenience to someone.
Example: お手数をおかけして申し訳ありません。私たちが原因の問題を解決します。(Otesuu o okake shite moushiwake arimasen. Watashitachi ga gen’in no mondai o kaiketsu shimasu.)- “I apologize for the trouble. We will resolve the issue caused by us.”
Remember to use appropriate honorific language and a polite tone when apologizing in Japanese. It’s also common to bow slightly as a gesture of respect while apologizing.