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 (very formal apology)
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.

FORMALITY SCALE:

  • すみません (casual-polite)
  • 申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありません (formal)
  • 申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません (very formal)

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
general
Added 2026.3.20 11:37
18000/18087_moushiwakegozaimasen