Introduction
In Japanese, when you want to apologize for something you’ve done, you use the te-form of a verb followed by すみません or ごめん. These are common phrases used to express apologies, and the choice between the two depends on the level of politeness. In this blog, we’ll look at how to use すみませんでした and ごめん effectively, including how to apologize for things you failed to do.
What It Means
The phrase すみませんでした (sumimasen deshita) is used to apologize for something you’ve already done, implying that you’re making a clean break from the mistake. On the other hand, ごめん (gomen) is more casual and can be used in both present and past situations. You can also apologize for not doing something using the negative form -なくて (nakute).
When You Use It
You use すみませんでした or ごめん when you want to apologize for something you’ve done in the past, or for something you failed to do. For example, if you’re apologizing for being late, or for forgetting to clean the room, you would use these structures to show regret.
Examples
Apologizing for something you did
- 怒ってすみませんでした (okotte sumimasen deshita)
I’m sorry for getting angry. - 誕生日を忘れてごめん (tanjoubi wo wasurete gomen)
Sorry that I forgot your birthday.
Apologizing for something you failed to do
- 部屋を掃除しなくてすみませんでした (heya wo souji shinakute sumimasen deshita)
I’m sorry for not cleaning the room. - もっと早く言わなくてごめん (motto hayaku iwanakute gomen)
Sorry that I didn’t tell you earlier.
Note
To apologize for not doing something, use the negative form -なくて (nakute). Also, remember that すみません can be used for an ongoing issue, while すみませんでした suggests that the problem is in the past and has been resolved.
In Japanese, whether you use “すみません” (sumimasen) or “すみませんでした” (sumimasen deshita) depends on the timing of the apology and whether the issue is ongoing or has been resolved.
- すみません (sumimasen) – Ongoing Issue:
- You use “すみません” in the present tense when you are apologizing for something that is currently happening or for an action that is not fully resolved yet. For example, if you are late to a meeting or a class and have just arrived, you would say:
- 遅刻してすみません (chikoku shite sumimasen)
- Sorry for being late. (As you arrive, implying that the lateness is still relevant because you just got there.)
- You use “すみません” in the present tense when you are apologizing for something that is currently happening or for an action that is not fully resolved yet. For example, if you are late to a meeting or a class and have just arrived, you would say:
- すみませんでした (sumimasen deshita) – Past Action:
- You use “すみませんでした” in the past tense when you are apologizing for something that has already happened and is no longer ongoing. For example, after a class or event has ended, and you want to apologize for your lateness after the fact, you would say:
- 遅刻してすみませんでした (chikoku shite sumimasen deshita)
- Sorry for being late. (The event is over, and you are reflecting on your past lateness.)
In summary:
- Use “すみません“ when the issue is still ongoing or happening at the moment of your apology.
- Use “すみませんでした“ when the issue has already happened and is fully in the past.
Conclusion
By mastering the use of すみませんでした and ごめん, you can express apologies politely and appropriately in various situations. Whether you’re apologizing for something you did or something you failed to do, understanding this grammar point helps in daily conversations.
Recommended Resources
To better understand “-てすみませんでした” in Japanese, I recommend “Essential Japanese Grammar: A Comprehensive Guide to Contemporary Usage“ by Masahiro Tanimori. This book offers clear explanations of grammar structures, including how to use polite forms like “-てすみませんでした.” It’s perfect for learners looking to strengthen their understanding of formal and casual expressions in Japanese.
