JLPT N5 grammar
すみません — Meaning & Examples
The all-purpose word: excuse me / sorry / thank you. Works to get attention, apologize, or thank.
Practice questions
Try this question on すみません. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. すみません can mean all of these EXCEPT:
- Excuse me
- Sorry
- Thank you (for trouble)
- Goodbye
Show answer
Answer: Goodbye
すみません covers excuse me / sorry / thanks, but not goodbye (that's さようなら).
Practise すみません in the free app
This point is part of the “Daily Conversation Patterns” 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: Daily Conversation Patterns
Frequently asked questions
What does すみません mean?
The all-purpose word: excuse me / sorry / thank you. Works to get attention, apologize, or thank.
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 “Daily Conversation Patterns”), 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 “Daily Conversation Patterns” 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.