Offline mode

申し訳ございませんが

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

formal, highly polite

How it works

This phrase is a very polite and formal way to apologize or express regret before delivering potentially bad news or a refusal. It literally combines 申し訳 (mōshiwake, 'excuse, apology') + ございません (gozaimasen, 'is not,' formal negative of ございます) + が (ga, 'but/however'). The 'ga' serves as a conjunction to introduce a following statement, often a negative one or a request that might inconvenience the listener.

Sample sentences

申し訳ございませんが、本日は担当者が不在です。

I'm very sorry, but the person in charge is not here today.

申し訳ございませんが、そのご要望にはお応えできません。

Unfortunately, but we cannot meet that request.

申し訳ございませんが、予約がいっぱいです。

We are very sorry, but we are fully booked.

Quick facts

nuance:Often used to prelude a refusal, an inability to fulfill a request, or to deliver inconvenient information, expressing regret for the situation.

politeness:This is a very high level of politeness, suitable for business, formal settings, or when addressing superiors/clients. It softens a negative statement or request.

component_breakdown:申し訳 (mōshiwake): reason for apology; excuses. ございません (gozaimasen): polite negative form of ある/いる (to be/exist), meaning 'there is no reason/excuse'. が (ga): conjunctive particle meaning 'but' or 'however', used here to smoothly transition to the next statement.

Often used with

申し訳ございませんが、できません。

申し訳ございませんが、ご遠慮ください。

申し訳ございませんが、承知いたしました。

申し訳ございませんが、お時間を頂戴できますでしょうか。

誠に申し訳ございませんが

Mnemonic

Get an AI-generated memory hook for 申し訳ございませんが — a vivid scene that locks the word in your brain 🧠

Example

申し訳ございませんが、本日は担当者が不在です。

I'm very sorry, but the person in charge is not here today.

申し訳ございませんが、そのご要望にはお応えできません。

Unfortunately, but we cannot meet that request.