Sumimasen is a versatile phrase meaning "Excuse me" or "I am sorry." You use it to apologize for minor offenses, to get someone's attention (like in a shop), or to express thanks for a small favor that might have inconvenienced someone. For example, "すみません、この電車は渋谷に行きますか？" (Excuse me, does this train go to Shibuya?).

「すみません」は、謝る(あやまる)時(とき)、人(ひと)に呼(よ)びかける時(とき)、軽(かる)い感謝(かんしゃ)の時(とき)に使(つか)います。「すみません、ちょっといいですか？」