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    誠に申し訳ございません (makoto ni moushiwake gozaimasen) - even more formal/humble, 'truly sorry'

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    extremely formal and humble

    How it works

    This expression is a highly formal and humble apology. 「誠に (makoto ni)」 means 'truly' or 'sincerely', intensifying the apology. 「申し訳ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen)」 is itself a very polite and humble apology, literally meaning 'there is no excuse'.

    Sample sentences

    お客様にご不便をおかけし、誠に申し訳ございません。

    We are truly sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers.

    私の不手際によりご迷惑をおかけしましたこと、誠に申し訳ございません。

    I am truly sorry for causing you trouble due to my oversight.

    この度の誤りにつきまして、誠に申し訳ございません。深くお詫び申し上げます。

    Regarding this mistake, I am truly sorry. I offer my deepest apologies.

    Quick facts

    nuance:While 'gomen nasai' is casual and 'sumimasen' is general polite, 'moushiwake gozaimasen' is a profound apology. Adding 'makoto ni' further amplifies this, emphasizing the sincerity of the speaker's regret.
    politeness:This is one of the highest forms of apology in Japanese, conveying deep humility and regret. It is typically used in business, formal public apologies, or when addressing someone of much higher status or in a very serious situation.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    お客様にご不便をおかけし、誠に申し訳ございません。

    We are truly sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers.

    私の不手際によりご迷惑をおかけしましたこと、誠に申し訳ございません。

    I am truly sorry for causing you trouble due to my oversight.

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