Proto-types

Formality

Functions/

Examples

gomennasai

sumimasen

moushiwake arimasen

shitsurei shimasu*

Informal-

Semi-Formal

Informal - Formal

Formal

Formal

Apology

Gomennasai, machigae mashita.

Sumimasen, machigae mashita.

Moushiwakearimasen, machigae mashita.

Not used

Thanks

Gomennasai, arigatou.

Sumimasen谢谢,演示(gozaimasu)。

Moushiwakearimasen,arigatou gozaimasu.

Not used

Getting Attention (‘excuse me’)

Ano, cyottogomennasai,

Ano,sumimasenga,

Anomoushiwake arimasenga,

Shitsurei shimasu, yoroshii

Desuka?

Signaling an Upcoming Inquiry/ Request/ Refusal

Gomennasai,ano onegaiga arun desukedo…

Sumimasen, ano, onegaiga arun

desuga…

Moushiwakenainodesuga

onegaiga aruno desuga…

Not used

Signaling an Upcoming Negative Response

Gomennasai, cyotto ikare naikamo….

Sumimasen, cyotto ikenaindesu.

Moushiwakearimasen, cyotto tsugouga waruinndesu.

Not used

Opening/ Closing/ Interrupting a Conversation

Gomennasai,

cyotto iikana?

Sumimasen, ima iidesuka?

Moushiwakearimasen, ima yoroshii

desuka?

Shitsurei shimasu, ima yoroshii desuka?