synonym Comparative
申し訳ありません
VS
謝る
Differences Between "申し訳ありません" and "謝る"
Option A
申し訳ありません
Meaning
I am sorry; excuse me; I apologize
Reading
もうしわけありません (moushiwake arimasen)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
ご迷惑をおかけして、誠に申し訳ありません。
I am truly sorry for causing you inconvenience.
Option B
謝る
Meaning
to apologize; to make an excuse
Reading
あやまる (ayamaru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼は打ち合わせの約束の時間に遅れてしまったため、部屋に入るなりクライアントに対して深く_______。
Because he was late for the meeting appointment time, he apologized deeply to the client as soon as he entered the room.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(I am sorry; excuse me; I apologize)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 申し訳ありません: A very polite and formal way to apologize, implying deep regret or that there is no excuse. More formal than 「ごめんなさい」 or 「すみません」. Often used in business settings, to superiors, or when expressing significant regret for an inconvenience or mistake.
- 謝る: Refers to apologizing to someone for a mistake, error, or behavior. Often used as 謝罪する or 素直に謝る. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To apologize! "Haruka-san, I am so sorry for making you jealous today! Please forgive me!" ...っ! T-To apologize for my jealousy! B-Baka! Why are you apologizing so politely?! It makes me look like a childish boss! But... since you apologized with such cute puppy eyes, I suppose... I will forgive you if you hug me right now! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あやまる（謝る）よ！『ハルカ部長、さっき他の女性社員と少し長く喋ってヤキモチを妬かせてしまって、本当にごめんなさい！』って…っ！ヤキモチへの謝罪！バカ！/// 謝られたら私が子供っぽく拗ねてたみたいで恥ずかしいじゃないの！…でも、素直に謝ったご褒美に、今夜は私の隣で私の気が済むまでギュッとする刑を執行するから、逃げちゃダメよ！』
- 申し訳ありません: A very polite and formal way to apologize, implying deep regret or that there is no excuse. More formal than 「ごめんなさい」 or 「すみません」. Often used in business settings, to superiors, or when expressing significant regret for an inconvenience or mistake.
- 謝る: Refers to apologizing to someone for a mistake, error, or behavior. Often used as 謝罪する or 素直に謝る. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To apologize! "Haruka-san, I am so sorry for making you jealous today! Please forgive me!" ...っ! T-To apologize for my jealousy! B-Baka! Why are you apologizing so politely?! It makes me look like a childish boss! But... since you apologized with such cute puppy eyes, I suppose... I will forgive you if you hug me right now! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あやまる（謝る）よ！『ハルカ部長、さっき他の女性社員と少し長く喋ってヤキモチを妬かせてしまって、本当にごめんなさい！』って…っ！ヤキモチへの謝罪！バカ！/// 謝られたら私が子供っぽく拗ねてたみたいで恥ずかしいじゃないの！…でも、素直に謝ったご褒美に、今夜は私の隣で私の気が済むまでギュッとする刑を執行するから、逃げちゃダメよ！』
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!