"Sumimasen" is your magic word
Sumimasen means "excuse me," "sorry," and "thank you"—all at once. Use it to get attention, apologize, or express gratitude.
Do's
- Say it to get a server's attention
- Use it when squeezing past someone
- Pair it with a small bow
Don'ts
- Don't shout it—soft and polite is best
Tips
It's arguably the most versatile word in conversational Japanese.