～てすみません
Apologize for an action or situation
You'll be able to say exactly what you are sorry for in a natural apology.
遅れてすみません。
okurete sumimasen.
What do you think this sentence means?
I am sorry I am late.
Apologize for an action or omission
～てすみません gives the reason for an apology. ～なくてすみません apologizes for failing to do something.
返事をしなくてすみませんでした。
henji o shinakute sumimasen deshita.
I am sorry I did not reply.
Form and use ～てすみません
Use 遅れてすみません for being late and 返事をしなくてすみません for not replying. For a completed past situation, すみませんでした is also natural.
返事をしなくてすみませんでした。
henji o shinakute sumimasen deshita.
I am sorry I did not reply.
長く待たせてすみません。
nagaku matasete sumimasen.
I am sorry I kept you waiting so long.
会議に遅れてすみません。電車が止まっていたんです。
kaigi ni okurete sumimasen. densha ga tomatte ita n desu.
Sorry I'm late for the meeting. The train had stopped.
返事が遅くなってすみません。
henji ga osoku natte sumimasen.
Sorry for the late reply.
長い間連絡しなくてすみません。
nagai aida renraku shinakute sumimasen.
Sorry for not being in touch for so long.
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