Why do Japanese people use ‘sumimasen’ so much?

Does ‘sumimasen’ mean ‘I’m sorry’?

Have you ever heard Japanese people say ‘sumimasen’ repeatedly?

Even when they don’t seem to be angry or need to apologise… In fact, this word has more than just an apologetic meaning.

‘Sumimasen’ not only means ‘I’m sorry,’ but also expresses gratitude as ‘thank you,’ asks for permission as ‘excuse me,’ or requests help as ‘please,’ depending on the situation. When bumping into someone, entering a store, or making a request… the uses are endless. 

There may be no other word in the world with so many meanings. 

This might be why Japanese is often described as complex and difficult.

Why ‘sumimasen’?

At its core are the Japanese values of ‘empathy,’ ‘humility,’ and ‘harmony,’ which show consideration for others. Sumimasen is a ‘cushion word’ that shows consideration for the other person, bridges the gap, and softens the atmosphere. It is a consideration to maintain ‘harmony,’ not about whether or not there is responsibility.

‘Sumimasen, can you do this for me?’ and ‘Can you do this for me?’ These two phrases have the same meaning, but the impression they give can vary depending on the person receiving them. For example, if someone suddenly says, ‘Could you do this for me?’ it might give the impression that they are angry. But if they start with ‘sumimasen,’ it doesn’t give a bad impression, does it? The consideration of not making the other person feel uncomfortable is at the core of the Japanese language, and perhaps that is why the expression ‘sumimasen’ is used.

The unique ‘sumimasen’ of the Japanese

 When calling a waiter at a café: ‘Sumimasen!’ 

When receiving a gift: ‘Sumimasen…’ → Apology + gratitude

Some people even bow while saying ‘sumimasen’ during a phone call! This is almost a habit…

‘Sumimasen’ for Japanese people

‘Sumimasen’ is a symbol of Japanese culture, where people express their feelings with few words, and it is a word of consideration that does not make the other person feel uncomfortable.

The thoughtfulness contained in one word, that is ‘sumimasen.’

When conversing with Japanese people, why not start with ‘sumimasen’?