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    大変申し訳ございません (taihen moushiwake gozaimasen) - very formal apology

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    very formal, humble

    How it works

    This phrase combines the intensifier 大変 (taihen - greatly, terribly) with 申し訳ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen), which is a highly formal and humble way to express 'there is no excuse' or 'I am sorry'. 申し訳 (moushiwake) means 'excuse' or 'justification', and ございません (gozaimasen) is the humble negative form of ございます (gozaimasu), which itself is a polite form of あります (arimasu - to be, to exist).

    Sample sentences

    ご返信が遅くなり、大変申し訳ございません。

    I am terribly sorry for the late reply.

    弊社のシステム障害により、多大なご迷惑をおかけし、大変申し訳ございません。

    We sincerely apologize for the great inconvenience caused by our system failure.

    お客様には大変なご不便をおかけしましたこと、大変申し訳ございませんでした。

    We are deeply sorry for the considerable inconvenience we have caused our customers.

    Quick facts

    usage_context:Primarily used in professional or public contexts, or when expressing deep remorse. Less common in casual personal interactions.
    politeness_level:Extremely high. This is used in formal business settings, customer service, or when a serious mistake has been made.
    components_breakdown:大変 (taihen): adverb, 'very, greatly'. 申し訳 (moushiwake): noun, 'excuse, justification'. ございません (gozaimasen): humble negative form of 'to be/exist'.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    ご返信が遅くなり、大変申し訳ございません。

    I am terribly sorry for the late reply.

    弊社のシステム障害により、多大なご迷惑をおかけし、大変申し訳ございません。

    We sincerely apologize for the great inconvenience caused by our system failure.

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