Punctuality is one of the main characteristics of the Japanese, and unfortunately Brazilians fail brutally when it comes to being punctual (I say from experience). You need to do your best to never be late for a place, so always try to be early.
If even train stations apologize for delays of 20 seconds, being late in Japan is a source of immense shame. Sooner or later, a delay will happen, so you must be prepared to apologize in the right way. to be as formal as possible and 世俗的な仕事.
Being punctual in Japan is a must that determines whether you are a trustworthy person or not. If you are already aware that you are going to be late, it is good to let you know in advance. Don't even think about leaving to arrive on time, if you always arrive 5 or 10 minutes early, you will leave an impression of a responsible and punctual person.
Table of Contents
Apologizing for being late in Japan
Most of the words related to delay come from the ideogram 遅 which means slow, delayed, and late. See below some example sentences on how to apologize for being late:
遅れてすみませんでした
Okurete sumimasen deshita
I apologize for my delay
すみません、遅くなりました。
Sumimasen, osoku narimashita
sorry for being late
お待たせしてすみませんでした。
O matase shite sumimasen deshita
I'm sorry for keeping you waiting
遅れてゴメン(ね)
Okurete gomen (ne)
Sorry for the delay (light, informal among friends)
遅くなってごめん(ね)
Osoku natte gomen (ne)
Sorry for being late (informal)
お待たせしました!
Omatase shimashita!
Thank you for waiting!
遅れて申し訳ありません
Okurete mōshiwake arimasen
I'm sorry I'm late (very formal)
失礼します
Shitsureishimasu
Excuse me (not late, but almost)
電車が遅れていて、遅れてすみません
Densha ga okurete ite, okurete sumimasen
Sorry for the delay, the train was late
Pay close attention to the phrases presented in this article so you don't get confused. If you are not late, but everyone is already present at the location, you can enter by asking for permission with the expression shitsureishimasu. Always use the phrases to inform that you will arrive late or that you might arrive late.
Other Japanese phrases involving delays
See other phrases related to delay in the Japanese language:
やばい、授業遅刻だ！
Yabai, jugyou chikokuda!
Shit, I'm late for class
遅れてすみません、寝過ごしました。
Okuretesumimasen, nesugoshimashita
Sorry for the delay, I lost track of time (slept too much).
おそいです
Osoidesu
You are late!
すみません、10分ほど遅れるかもしれません。
Sumimasen, juubun hodo okureru kamo shiremasen.
Sorry, I may be 10 minutes late
すみません、遅れそうです。
Sumimasen, okuresou desu.
Sorry, looks like I'm going to be late
すみません、5分遅れます。
Sumimasen, gobun okuremasu.
Sorry, I'll be 5 minutes late
You can use the expression kamoshiremasen (かもしれません) to create a sentence saying that you will probably (perhaps) be late. I hope these example sentences help you to apologize for being late in Japan. ! It's best not to be late!
