Survival Japanese · 01 of 10
The Magic Word: すみません
Oss! Welcome to 10 days of survival Japanese. If you only learn ONE word for your trip, make it this one.
すみません
The most useful word in Japanese.
To get attention
In a restaurant, on the street, anywhere. You at an izakaya, can't find the staff: You: すみませ〜ん！ Staff: は〜い！ That's how you order in Japan. Loud and clear.
To apologize
Bump into someone? Step on a foot? You: あ、すみません！ That's it. They'll smile, you move on.
To say thanks
Someone holds the door, picks up your dropped umbrella? You: あ、すみません！ Yes, Japanese people use すみません to mean "thanks for the trouble."