Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Excuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "excuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
すみません
すみません (sumimasen)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お邪魔します
おじゃまします (ojamashimasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すみません and お邪魔します.
In Japanese, すみません (すみません (sumimasen)) is typically associated with "Excuse me; I'm sorry; Thank you." (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A versatile phrase. Can be used to apologize, get attention, or express gratitude.
On the other hand, お邪魔します (おじゃまします (ojamashimasu)) maps to "Excuse me for disturbing; (polite phrase used when entering someone's home/office)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A polite, set phrase used when visiting someone's home or office, expressing apology for imposing on their space. 主に家や部屋に入る際に言います。. A literal translation of "excuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "すみません"
すみません、ちょっといいですか。
Excuse me, do you have a moment?
Bilingual Context for "お邪魔します"
友達の家を訪ねるとき、ドアを開けて「お邪魔します」と言いました。
When visiting a friend's house, I opened the door and said 'Ojamashimasu'.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、ちょっといいですか。" (Meaning: "Excuse me, do you have a moment?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すみません" fits here because it means "Excuse me; I'm sorry; Thank you." in the context of: "Excuse me, do you have a moment?". "お邪魔します" represents "Excuse me for disturbing; (polite phrase used when entering someone's home/office)".