In casual Japanese, you can apologize for being late with short phrases like «遅れてごめん。» (Sorry I'm late) or «ごめん、遅れた。» (Sorry, I'm late). For a small mistake, «ごめん。» means 'Sorry' or 'My bad', and «わるい。» is an even more casual 'My bad' used among close friends. When someone apologizes, you can reply «全然大丈夫だよ。» (It's totally fine). This workshop gives you guided speaking practice, a listening choice, and a recall task so you can use these lines in real conversations.
Apologizing for Being Late
When you arrive late to meet a friend, you can say «遅れてごめん。» (Sorry I'm late) or «ごめん、遅れた。» (Sorry, I'm late). Both are casual and suitable for friends. In the recorded dialogue, Speaker A says «あ、ごめん、遅れた！» (Oh, sorry, I'm late!). Speaker B replies «全然大丈夫だよ。» (It's totally fine). Then A says «ありがとう。待った？» (Thanks. Did you wait?). B answers «ううん、今来たところ。» (No, I just got here). Notice how the apology is short and the reply is reassuring. Practice saying each line aloud, paying attention to the casual tone.
Saying 'My Bad' for Minor Mistakes
For small mistakes, like bumping into someone or forgetting something, you can say «ごめん。» (Sorry / My bad) or «わるい。» (My bad). «わるい。» is very casual and often used among male friends or close peers; it can sound blunt with strangers, so use it with people you know well. These phrases are not just for lateness—they work for any minor inconvenience. Try repeating them with a friendly, relaxed tone. Remember that «ごめん。» can stand alone, while «わるい。» is also a complete apology in casual settings.
Accepting an Apology
When someone apologizes, you can accept it with «全然大丈夫だよ。» (It's totally fine). This is a friendly, casual response. In the dialogue, B uses it after A apologizes for being late. You can also add «ううん、今来たところ。» (No, I just got here) to reassure the person that they didn't keep you waiting. Practice saying these replies with a warm tone. Accepting an apology helps keep the conversation light and friendly.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
遅れてごめん。
Sorry I'm late.
Okurete gomen.
ごめん、遅れた。
Sorry, I'm late.
Gomen, okureta.
ごめん。
Sorry. / My bad.
Gomen.
わるい。
My bad. / Sorry.
Warui.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
あ、ごめん、遅れた！
Oh, sorry, I'm late!全然大丈夫だよ。
It's totally fine.ありがとう。待った？
Thanks. Did you wait?ううん、今来たところ。
No, I just got here.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Apologize for Being Late
Imagine you are meeting a friend and you arrive late. Your friend is already there. Use the recorded lines to apologize and respond.
Your task: First, play the role of the late friend. Say «あ、ごめん、遅れた！» (Oh, sorry, I'm late!). Then switch roles: imagine your friend apologizes to you with the same line. Reply with «全然大丈夫だよ。» (It's totally fine). Then ask «待った？» (Did you wait?) and answer «ううん、今来たところ。» (No, I just got here). Repeat the exchange twice, alternating roles.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Response
You will hear a short apology. Choose the best reply from the options. This tests your understanding of casual apologies and acceptances.
Your task: Listen to the line «ごめん、遅れた。» (Sorry, I'm late). Which reply is appropriate? Option A: «全然大丈夫だよ。» (It's totally fine). Option B: «ありがとう。» (Thanks). Option C: «わるい。» (My bad). Say your choice aloud, then say the correct reply. Next, listen to «わるい。» (My bad). Which reply fits? Option A: «全然大丈夫だよ。» Option B: «ごめん。» Option C: «遅れてごめん。» Say your choice and the correct reply.
Recall and Role-Play: Apologize and Accept
Now, without looking at the lines, recall the phrases and use them in a short role-play. You will play both roles: first the person who apologizes, then the person who accepts.
Your task: Imagine a friend is late. You are the friend who is late. Apologize using one of the casual phrases you learned. Then switch roles: you are the friend who was waiting. Respond to the apology with an accepting phrase. Then ask if they waited, and answer. Do this entire exchange from memory. If you forget a line, pause and try to recall it before checking the recordings.
Common questions
Can I use «わるい。» with anyone?
«わるい。» is very casual and can sound blunt if used with strangers or people you don't know well. It is often used among male friends or close peers. For safer casual apologies, use «ごめん。» or «遅れてごめん。» with friends.
How do I respond when someone apologizes to me?
You can say «全然大丈夫だよ。» (It's totally fine) to accept a casual apology. If you want to reassure them that you didn't wait long, you can add «ううん、今来たところ。» (No, I just got here). This keeps the tone friendly and casual.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: apologize to friendsChecked September 2026
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