synonym Comparative
申し訳ない
VS
おかけください
Differences Between "申し訳ない" and "おかけください"
Option A
申し訳ない
Meaning
I'm sorry, I apologize (very polite)
Reading
もうしわけない (moushiwakenai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
ご迷惑をおかけして大変申し訳ありません。
I am terribly sorry for causing you inconvenience.
Option B
おかけください
Meaning
Please sit down (polite), Please hang up (phone, polite)
Reading
おかけください (okake kudasai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
どうぞこちらの椅子におかけください。
Please take a seat here.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(I'm sorry, I apologize (very polite))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 申し訳ない: A very formal and strong expression of apology or regret, indicating that there is no excuse for one's actions. More formal and often used in serious situations than すみません.
- おかけください: A very polite imperative form. Commonly used in customer service or public spaces to invite someone to sit (椅子におかけください) or to instruct them to hang up a phone (電話をおかけください).
- 申し訳ない: A very formal and strong expression of apology or regret, indicating that there is no excuse for one's actions. More formal and often used in serious situations than すみません.
- おかけください: A very polite imperative form. Commonly used in customer service or public spaces to invite someone to sit (椅子におかけください) or to instruct them to hang up a phone (電話をおかけください).
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