Japanese 'Excuse Me': Using Sumimasen to Get Attention Politely
Learn to use sumimasen to get attention, pass by someone, or interrupt politely in public. Includes phrases, dialogue, and cultural tips for beginners.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Japanese, the word sumimasen (すみません) is a versatile expression that can mean 'excuse me' or 'I'm sorry,' depending on context. This lesson focuses on using sumimasen to get someone's attention, pass by someone in a crowd, or interrupt politely in public settings. Unlike an apology, which expresses remorse, sumimasen as 'excuse me' is a neutral attention-getter. You'll learn key phrases, when to use them, and how to respond.
By the end, you can…
- use sumimasen to get someone's attention in public.
- politely pass by someone using sumimasen.
- interrupt a conversation politely with sumimasen.
- ask if a seat is taken using sumimasen.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
すみません
Excuse me
su-mi-ma-se-n
Use to get attention, e.g., to call a waiter or ask a stranger a question.
すみません、ちょっといいですか。
Excuse me, may I have a moment?
su-mi-ma-se-n, cho-t-to i-i de-su ka
Polite way to interrupt someone who seems busy.
すみません、通してください。
Excuse me, please let me pass.
su-mi-ma-se-n, too-shi-te ku-da-sa-i
Use when you need to get through a crowd.
すみません、この席は空いていますか。
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
su-mi-ma-se-n, ko-no se-ki wa a-i-te i-ma-su ka
Use in trains, cafes, or public seating areas.
すみません、ちょっと聞いてもいいですか。
Excuse me, may I ask you something?
su-mi-ma-se-n, cho-t-to ki-i-te mo i-i de-su ka
Use when you need to ask for information, like directions.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Sumimasen can be followed by a request or question. For example, 'Sumimasen, kono seki wa aite imasu ka' (Excuse me, is this seat taken?). You can also use 'Sumimasen' alone to get attention. To be more polite, add 'chotto' (a little) before a request: 'Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka' (Excuse me, may I have a moment?).
When to use it
Use sumimasen when you need to interrupt someone, pass by, or ask a question in public. It's appropriate in most situations, from casual to formal. However, in very formal settings, you might use 'shitsurei shimasu' (失礼します) instead. For example, when entering a room, say 'Shitsurei shimasu.' But for getting attention, sumimasen is safe and common.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、この席は空いていますか。
Excuse me, is this seat taken?su-mi-ma-se-n, ko-no se-ki wa a-i-te i-ma-su kaいいえ、空いていますよ。どうぞ。
No, it's free. Please go ahead.i-i-e, a-i-te i-ma-su yo. doo-zoありがとうございます。すみません、ちょっと通してください。
Thank you. Excuse me, please let me pass.a-ri-ga-too go-za-i-ma-su. su-mi-ma-se-n, cho-t-to too-shi-te ku-da-sa-iはい、どうぞ。
Sure, go ahead.ha-i, doo-zoA little context goes a long way
In Japan, sumimasen is often used to show consideration for others. It can also imply a slight apology for causing inconvenience, even when just passing by. Using it frequently is polite. However, overusing it in casual settings might sound overly formal. Observe how native speakers use it in different contexts.
One thing to watch for
Using 'sumimasen' only as an apology and not for getting attention.
Try this instead: Remember that sumimasen can mean 'excuse me' too. For example, when you want to ask a question, start with 'Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka' instead of staying silent.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Excuse me, is this seat taken?' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
すみません、この席は空いていますか。 (Sumimasen, kono seki wa aite imasu ka.)
This phrase uses sumimasen to get attention and asks if the seat is free. You could also say 'Sumimasen, koko ni suwatte mo ii desu ka' (Excuse me, may I sit here?).
2What should you say when you need to pass through a crowd?
Show a sample answer
すみません、通してください。 (Sumimasen, tooshite kudasai.)
This politely asks others to let you pass. Alternatively, you can say 'Sumimasen, chotto toorimasu' (Excuse me, I'll pass through).
3How do you politely interrupt someone to ask a question?
Show a sample answer
すみません、ちょっと聞いてもいいですか。 (Sumimasen, chotto kiite mo ii desu ka.)
This uses sumimasen to interrupt and asks if you may ask a question. You could also say 'Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka' (Excuse me, may I have a moment?).
Sumimasen is your go-to phrase for getting attention, passing by, or interrupting politely in Japanese. Use it often and appropriately to navigate public situations smoothly.
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