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N5 · Phrase guide

Gomennasai — Personal Apology

ごめんなさい

ごめんなさい

I'm sorry (personal)

Nuance

Implies you feel responsible toward someone close. Too heavy for bumping strangers; right for friends, family, partners.

Cultural note

Casual ごめん among friends; full ごめんなさい shows sincerity. Children learn this before business keigo.

Examples

  • ごめんなさい、忘れてた。

    Sorry, I forgot.

    Apologizing to a friend

  • 本当にごめんなさい。

    I'm truly sorry.

    Serious personal mistake

Common mistakes

  • Using ごめんなさい with strangers in public
  • Saying only ごめん to a client

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Related phrases

すみません vs ごめんなさいすみません