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    大変申し訳ないです (taihen moushiwakenai desu) - slightly less formal but still polite

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    polite (slightly less formal than 申し訳ございません)

    How it works

    This expression is a combination of the adverb '大変' (taihen, very/greatly), the adjective '申し訳ない' (moushiwakenai, inexcusable/nothing to apologize with), and the politeness marker 'です' (desu). It indicates a strong sense of apology and regret. While 'です' makes it polite, it is generally considered slightly less formal than '申し訳ございません' (moushiwake gozaimasen), which uses the more formal honorific verb 'ございます'.

    Sample sentences

    ご迷惑をおかけして、大変申し訳ないです。

    I am very sorry for causing you trouble.

    納期が遅れてしまい、大変申し訳ないです。

    I deeply apologize for the delay in the delivery.

    私の確認不足で、大変申し訳ないです。

    I am very sorry due to my insufficient checking.

    Quick facts

    nuance:Implies a deep sense of responsibility and regret for one's actions, suggesting the action was truly inexcusable. The 'desu' ending makes it softer and more accessible than the plain '申し訳ない'.
    politeness_level:Polite. Suitable for most situations where a sincere apology is needed, but typically avoided in highly formal business apologies or to superiors where '申し訳ございません' would be preferred.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    ご迷惑をおかけして、大変申し訳ないです。

    I am very sorry for causing you trouble.

    納期が遅れてしまい、大変申し訳ないです。

    I deeply apologize for the delay in the delivery.

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