申(もう)し訳(わけ)

もうしわけ

noun

excuse, apology

1. excuse, explanation, apology

Something said to explain or justify an action; commonly used in apologetic expressions.

申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありません。

I'm very sorry. / I apologize.

Very polite apology expression

I'm sorry, but today is impossible.

申し訳ない = sorry (slightly less formal)

I'm very sorry for being late.

申し訳ございません = most polite form

お待(ま)たせして申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありませんでした。

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience, but could you give me a little more time?

大変申し訳ありません = I'm terribly sorry (stronger emphasis)

Usage: 申(もう)し訳(わけ) is primarily used in apology expressions and is very polite. It literally means "excuse" or "explanation."

Related Words

core

Added 2026.1.12 22:34 · Revised 2026.10.4 22:02

03500/03810_moushiwake