Accepting Formal Apologies in Japanese: Beyond 'Daijōbu desu'
Learn intermediate Japanese phrases for accepting formal apologies gracefully, including 'O-ayamari itadakimashite' and register-appropriate responses for workplace and formal contexts.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When someone offers a formal apology in Japanese, how you accept it matters as much as the apology itself. A flat 'Daijōbu desu' can sound dismissive in a business setting, while an overly elaborate acceptance may feel performative. This lesson focuses specifically on the receiving side of the apology exchange: acknowledging the apology, expressing that you appreciate it, and signaling that the matter is settled. You will learn set phrases used in workplaces, customer service, and formal correspondence, and how to adjust politeness to match the situation.
By the end, you can…
- accept a formal apology using phrases that acknowledge the apology itself, not just say 'it's fine.'
- choose between casual, polite, and formal acceptance phrases based on the relationship and context.
- respond appropriately when someone apologizes for a serious mistake versus a minor inconvenience.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
お詫びいただきまして、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your apology.
o-wabi itadakimashite, arigatō gozaimasu
Formal, business-appropriate. 'Itadakimashite' is humble, elevating the apologizer's action. Use in email or face-to-face with clients or superiors.
ご丁寧にお詫びいただき、恐縮です。
I appreciate your courteous apology.
go-teinei ni o-wabi itadaki, kyōshuku desu
Very formal and slightly deferential. 'Kyōshuku desu' expresses that you feel humbled by their effort. Common in written correspondence.
お詫びの言葉をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your words of apology.
o-wabi no kotoba o itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu
Neutral-formal. Acknowledges the apology as a verbal act. Suitable when you want to be gracious without being effusive.
ご連絡いただき、助かりました。
I appreciate you contacting me.
go-renraku itadaki, tasukarimashita
Indirect acceptance. Focuses on the communication rather than the apology itself. Useful when the apology was prompt and you want to acknowledge that.
今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。
I look forward to working with you going forward.
kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu
Closing phrase after accepting an apology. Signals the matter is closed and the relationship continues. Standard in business Japanese.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 'お詫びいただき(まして)、ありがとうございます' — literally 'receiving your apology, thank you.' The verb 'itadaku' is the humble form of 'morau' (to receive), so it lowers your own position while respecting the apologizer. You can swap the noun: 'ご連絡いただき' (receiving your contact), 'ご説明いただき' (receiving your explanation). For a slightly softer version, use 'お詫びの言葉をいただき' — 'receiving your words of apology.' Avoid 'お詫びしてくれてありがとう,' which sounds as if you are thanking them for a favor rather than acknowledging a formal act.
When to use it
Use the full 'お詫びいただきまして、ありがとうございます' in business email or when a client or senior colleague apologizes. In a less formal workplace among peers, 'わざわざ連絡ありがとう' or 'ご連絡ありがとうございます' is enough. If the apology is for a serious error, follow acceptance with a forward-looking phrase like '今後ともよろしくお願いいたします' to signal closure. For minor inconveniences, 'お気になさらないでください' (please don't worry about it) is warmer than a formal acceptance. Never use casual '全然大丈夫' with a client; it can seem to trivialize their apology.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
この度は、納品の遅れにつきまして、誠に申し訳ございませんでした。
I sincerely apologize for the delay in delivery this time.kono tabi wa, nōhin no okure ni tsukimashite, makoto ni mōshiwake gozaimasen deshitaご丁寧にお詫びいただき、ありがとうございます。状況は理解しております。
Thank you for your courteous apology. I understand the situation.go-teinei ni o-wabi itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu. jōkyō wa rikai shite orimasuご理解いただき、恐縮です。今後はこのようなことがないよう徹底いたします。
I am humbled by your understanding. We will ensure this does not happen again.go-rikai itadaki, kyōshuku desu. kongo wa kono yō na koto ga nai yō tettei itashimasuぜひお願いいたします。今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。
Please do. I look forward to working with you going forward.zehi onegai itashimasu. kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasuA little context goes a long way
In Japanese business culture, accepting an apology is not just about being gracious; it is about restoring wa (harmony) and allowing the apologizer to save face. A too-quick 'Daijōbu desu' can unintentionally imply the apology was unnecessary, which may embarrass the speaker. Acknowledging the apology explicitly — 'お詫びいただき' — validates their effort. Conversely, over-accepting with excessive humility can seem sarcastic. Match the register to the apology: formal apology, formal acceptance.
One thing to watch for
Saying '全然大丈夫です' or '気にしないで' to a client or senior colleague who has made a formal apology.
Try this instead: Use 'お詫びいただきまして、ありがとうございます' or 'ご丁寧にお詫びいただき、恐縮です.' These acknowledge the apology as a formal act and maintain appropriate distance. Reserve '全然大丈夫' for friends or close peers.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1A client sends a formal apology email for a mistake. Which phrase best accepts it while maintaining business register?
Show a sample answer
お詫びいただきまして、ありがとうございます。
This phrase explicitly acknowledges the apology with humble 'itadaku' and thanks them, which is appropriate for client-facing business communication. 'ご丁寧にお詫びいただき、恐縮です' is also valid but slightly more deferential.
2Your colleague apologizes for being five minutes late to an internal meeting. What is a natural, polite acceptance?
Show a sample answer
ご連絡ありがとうございます。全然大丈夫ですよ。
Among peers, a lighter response is fine. 'ご連絡ありがとう' acknowledges the communication, and '全然大丈夫' reassures without formality. 'お気になさらないでください' also works if you want to be slightly more polite.
3After accepting a serious apology, you want to signal that the matter is closed and the relationship continues. What phrase do you add?
Show a sample answer
今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。
This closing phrase is standard in business Japanese to indicate closure and ongoing cooperation. 'これからもよろしくお願いします' is a slightly less formal alternative.
Accepting a formal apology in Japanese means acknowledging the apology itself with 'お詫びいただき、ありがとうございます' and matching your register to the situation. Save casual '全然大丈夫' for peers, and close serious matters with '今後ともよろしくお願いいたします.'
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