申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません

もうしわけございません
expression
I am deeply sorry
formalpolitegreeting
1. I am deeply sorry; I sincerely apologize
A very formal and polite way to apologize. More formal than 申し訳ありません, which is itself more formal than すみません. Used in business settings, customer service, and when speaking to superiors.
大変(たいへん)申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません。
I am terribly sorry.
お待(ま)たせしてしまい、申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません。
I am sorry to have kept you waiting.
ご迷惑(めいわく)をおかけして誠(まこと)に申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません。今後(こんご)このようなことがないよう十分(じゅうぶん)注意(ちゅうい)いたします。
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. I will take every care to ensure this does not happen again.

Usage

The most formal standard apology in modern Japanese. Used extensively in business, customer service, and formal correspondence. Often accompanied by a deep bow.

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Common patterns

  • 大変(たいへん)申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません (I am terribly sorry)
  • 誠(まこと)に申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません (I sincerely apologize)
  • 申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございませんが… (I'm sorry, but…) — used to make polite requests

Related Words

Related: 恐(おそ)れ入(い)ります (I'm sorry to trouble you)
general
Added 2026.3.20 11:37 · Revised 2026.10.3 21:43
18000/18087_moushiwakegozaimasen