Formal to Client
Workplace · Email
ご返信が遅くなりまして、大変申し訳ございません。改めてご状況をお伝えいたします。 — I sincerely apologize for the delayed response. Allow me to give you an updated report on the situation. (Workplace · Email, Formal to Client, JLPT N3)
You
ご返信が遅くなりまして、大変申し訳ございません。改めてご状況をお伝えいたします。
ごへんしんがおそくなりまして、たいへんもうしわけございません。あらためてごじょうきょうをおつたえいたします。
I sincerely apologize for the delayed response. Allow me to give you an updated report on the situation.
Romaji: Gohenji ga osoku narimashite, taihen moushiwake gozaimasen. Aratamete gojoukyou wo oshirase itashimasu. / Reply Romaji: Wakarimashita. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Reply
わかりました。よろしくお願いいたします。
わかりました。よろしくおねがいいたします。
Understood. Thank you.
Gesture & etiquette
This phrase is used in written email. Place it as the very first sentence of the email body. Do not add excessive explanation for the delay — brief acknowledgment and a prompt pivot to the actual content is the most professional approach. If the delay caused any concrete inconvenience, address that specifically before moving on.
In Japanese business email culture, response time expectations are extremely high — delayed replies require an immediate apology as the opening line. 'Moushiwake gozaimasen' (there is no excuse) is stronger than simple 'sumimasen' and appropriate for client-facing delays. Always lead with the apology before launching into the update content.