JLPT N5 grammar
すみません — Meaning & Examples
Excuse me / I'm sorry — the most useful Japanese word. Use it to get attention, apologise mildly, or start a question. Said dozens of times a day by native speakers.
Practice questions
Try these 2 questions on すみません. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. すみません is used to?
- Only apologise
- Say goodbye
- Get attention AND apologise mildly
- Order food
Show answer
Answer: Get attention AND apologise mildly
すみません = excuse me / sorry. It's incredibly versatile: get a waiter's attention, squeeze past someone, start a question, or apologise mildly. THE most-used word in Japan.
2. Which apology is used in a formal business situation?
- すみません
- ごめんなさい
- もうしわけありません
- だいじょうぶ
Show answer
Answer: もうしわけありません
もうしわけありません = the deepest, most formal apology. Used in business and serious situations. ごめんなさい = sincere but casual, すみません = mild everyday.
Practise すみません in the free app
This point is part of the “🆘 Survival Japanese — Phrases for Day 1” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N5 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N5 grammar points
From the same lesson: 🆘 Survival Japanese — Phrases for Day 1
Frequently asked questions
What does すみません mean?
Excuse me / I'm sorry — the most useful Japanese word. Use it to get attention, apologise mildly, or start a question. Said dozens of times a day by native speakers.
Is すみません on the JLPT N5 test?
すみません is taught in the JLPT N5 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “🆘 Survival Japanese — Phrases for Day 1”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise すみません?
Open the “🆘 Survival Japanese — Phrases for Day 1” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N5 mock exams, with no ads.