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    ご迷惑をおかけしました (go-meiwaku o okashimashita) - I caused trouble (slightly less formal)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    polite

    How it works

    This phrase uses the honorific prefix ご (go-) for 'meiwaku' (trouble/inconvenience), indicating respect towards the listener whose time or effort was disturbed. 'O kake shimashita' is the past polite form of the verb '迷惑をかける' (meiwaku o kakeru), meaning 'to cause trouble.' The 'shimashita' (しました) is the past polite form of 'suru' (する), implying the action was completed.

    Sample sentences

    昨日、ご迷惑をおかけしました。本当に申し訳ありません。

    I caused trouble yesterday. I am truly sorry.

    返信が遅くなり、ご迷惑をおかけしました。

    I apologize for the delay in my reply.

    急な変更でご迷惑をおかけしますが、よろしくお願いいたします。

    I apologize for the sudden change, but I appreciate your understanding.

    Quick facts

    usage_context:Used to apologize for things like being late, making a mistake, interrupting someone, or causing a delay. It focuses on the 'trouble caused' rather than a deep personal remorse, making it versatile for many situations.
    politeness_level:This phrase is polite and apologetic, suitable for situations where one has caused a minor to moderate inconvenience or trouble. While not as formal as '申し訳ございません' (mōshiwake gozaimasen - I am truly sorry), it is still a respectful apology. It implies the speaker acknowledges their action had a negative impact on the other party.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    昨日、ご迷惑をおかけしました。本当に申し訳ありません。

    I caused trouble yesterday. I am truly sorry.

    返信が遅くなり、ご迷惑をおかけしました。

    I apologize for the delay in my reply.

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