What does 「すみません」 actually mean?

The definitions of 「すみません」
「すみません」の定義

「すみません」 is the standard polite form of 「すまない」 and is used when, with your present company you wish to express:

  • 謝罪 an apology
  • 感謝 a sense of gratitude
  • 依頼 when you wish to request something

Often translated as “Excuse me,” the word 「すみません」 has three subtle senses that may help explain more about the Japanese aesthetic.

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