Japanese grammar
What does ～てすみません mean? Japanese grammar N4
～てすみません means sorry for doing ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて + すみません Vなくて + すみません |
| Romaji | tesumimasen |
| Meaning | sorry for doing ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | Vて + すみません / Vなくて + すみません |
|---|
How to use it
Apologizing for an action or situation that inconveniences someone else.
- The て form connects the reason for the apology with すみません.
- The negative form uses Vなくて, not Vないで, in this standard apology formula.
Examples
遅れてすみません。
I am sorry for being late.
昨日、連絡しなくてすみませんでした。
I am sorry I did not contact you yesterday.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong遅れたすみません。
Correct遅れてすみません。
The action serving as the reason must be connected with the て form.
Exam tips
- Look right before すみません: it usually needs て/なくて.