Universal
Cultural · Communication
大変失礼いたしました。本当に申し訳ございません。 — I am truly sorry. I sincerely apologize. (Cultural · Communication, Universal, JLPT N3)
You
大変失礼いたしました。本当に申し訳ございません。
たいへんしつれいいたしました。ほんとうにもうしわけございません。
I am truly sorry. I sincerely apologize.
Romaji: Taihen shitsurei itashimashita. Hontou ni moushiwake gozaimasen. / Reply Romaji: Ii desu yo. Ki wo tsukete kudasai ne.
Reply
いいですよ。気をつけてくださいね。
いいですよ。きをつけてくださいね。
It's okay. Please be careful going forward.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow at 30-45 degrees for a meaningful apology — hold the bow for 3-4 seconds. Do not straighten up immediately. Make eye contact briefly before bowing, then cast eyes slightly downward during the bow as a sign of humility. For very serious matters, repeat the bow 2-3 times. Avoid excessive smiling while apologizing — it signals insincerity.
Apology culture is central to Japanese social harmony. 'Moushiwake gozaimasen' is the deepest, most formal apology phrase — literally 'there is no excuse.' Use it for genuine mistakes, not minor inconveniences. In Japanese culture, a sincere apology with a proper bow (30-45 degrees) is expected before any explanation — explaining first without apologizing can appear defensive.