In this workshop, you will speak Japanese apologies and responses aloud. You will use only the phrases from the recordings, so you can focus on clear pronunciation and appropriate role choice. You will first hear and repeat key lines, then choose the right reply, and finally recall the full exchange with correct roles. Each task includes a self-check so you can confirm your answer without a teacher. The goal is to build confidence for everyday minor mistakes, such as bumping into someone or arriving late.
Polite Apologies for Small Mistakes
The recording «すみません» means “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry.” It is a versatile, polite phrase for minor apologies, getting attention, or light regret. Use it with strangers or in casual formal settings. For a more formal and sincere apology, use «申し訳ございません», meaning “I am very sorry.” This is highly formal and suitable for business, superiors, or significant minor errors like being late to a meeting. Another formal option is «失礼しました», meaning “I was rude” or “Excuse me.” It apologizes for a social blunder, such as interrupting or leaving early, and is often used in workplace settings. For friends or family, «ごめん» means “Sorry” informally. Avoid it with strangers or superiors. Practice each phrase slowly, then at natural speed. Pay attention to the long vowels in «申し訳ございません» and the crisp «し» in «失礼しました».
Responding When Someone Apologizes
When someone apologizes, a common reply is «はい、大丈夫です。気にしないでください。» meaning “Yes, I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.” This works after a minor accident, as in the recording where Speaker A says «あっ、すみません！大丈夫ですか？» (“Oh, I’m sorry! Are you okay?”). Another reply is «いいえ、全然大丈夫ですよ。» meaning “No, it’s totally fine.” This fits when someone apologizes for being late, as in «すみません、遅れました。» (“Sorry, I’m late.”). Notice that «いいえ» here softens the apology rather than denying it. Practice both replies with a calm, reassuring tone. Keep your voice friendly and avoid sounding dismissive. You can also use these replies in reverse roles to build flexibility.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
すみません
Excuse me / I'm sorry
su-mi-ma-se-n
申し訳ございません
I am very sorry (formal)
mou-shi-wa-ke go-zai-ma-se-n
失礼しました
I was rude / Excuse me (formal)
shi-tsu-re-i shi-ma-shi-ta
ごめん
Sorry (informal)
go-me-n
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
あっ、すみません！大丈夫ですか？
Oh, I'm sorry! Are you okay?はい、大丈夫です。気にしないでください。
Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about it.すみません、遅れました。
Sorry, I'm late.いいえ、全然大丈夫ですよ。
No, it's totally fine.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Bump and Reassure
Imagine you accidentally bump into someone. You will play both roles using the recorded lines. First, say the apology line from the recording. Then, respond as the other person.
Your task: Say aloud: «あっ、すみません！大丈夫ですか？» Then reply with «はい、大丈夫です。気にしないでください。» Repeat the exchange three times, alternating which role you start with.
Choose the Right Reply
You will hear or read an apology and choose the best response from the recording. This task tests comprehension, not improvisation.
Your task: Read the apology «すみません、遅れました。» Which reply fits? Option A: «はい、大丈夫です。気にしないでください。» Option B: «いいえ、全然大丈夫ですよ。» Say your chosen reply aloud.
Recall the Full Exchange with Correct Roles
You will recall both lines of a recorded exchange from memory, keeping the roles correct. Use the scene where one person apologizes for being late and the other reassures.
Your task: Without looking at the text, say the full exchange: first the person who is late says «すみません、遅れました。» Then the other person replies «いいえ、全然大丈夫ですよ。» Then switch roles and say the exchange again.
Common questions
Can I use «ごめん» with my boss?
The recording notes that «ごめん» is casual and should be avoided with strangers or superiors. For a boss, use a formal apology like «申し訳ございません» or «失礼しました» instead.
What does «気にしないでください» mean?
It means “Don’t worry about it.” It appears in the recording as part of the reply «はい、大丈夫です。気にしないでください。» and is used to reassure someone after a minor mistake.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: apologizing simple mistakesChecked September 2026
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