1.
I'm very sorry; I sincerely apologize; there is no excuse
A formal and polite expression of apology, stronger than すみません. Literally means 'there is no excuse,' conveying deep regret and acknowledgment that one's actions were inexcusable.
大変申し訳ありません。
I am terribly sorry.
お待たせして申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.
ご迷惑をおかけして誠に申し訳ありません。今後このようなことがないよう十分注意いたします。
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. I will take every care to ensure this does not happen again.
One of the most important formal apology expressions in Japanese. Literally means "there is no excuse" (申し訳 = excuse + ありません = does not exist). Used in business, customer service, and any situation requiring a sincere, polite apology.
FORMALITY LEVELS:
- 申し訳ない: casual/plain form
- 申し訳ありません: polite form (standard)
- 申し訳ございません: very polite/humble form (business, customer service)
COMMON INTENSIFIERS:
- 大変申し訳ありません: I am terribly sorry
- 誠に申し訳ありません: I am sincerely sorry (very formal)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- すみません: sorry/excuse me — lighter, everyday apology; also used to get attention
- ごめんなさい: I'm sorry — more personal and informal; used between friends and family
- 失礼しました: excuse me (for what I did) — used for minor social infractions