*Request from an old student - She wants to know the difference between these words because she is currently living in the US and found that she would say sorry when americans would say excuse me. So, here goes!
I'm sorry - This phrase is used when you do something wrong or make a mistake and you need to apologise. For example, if your mobile phone rings in your classroom you should say "I'm sorry" to the teacher. (I'm sorry = "Gomenasai" in Japanese)
Excuse me - This phrase is used when you want to do something that might interupt or disturb another person. For example, if you want to take the salt on the table and you reach over your friend's plate. (Excuse me = "Shitsureishimasu" in Japanese)
There are some other situations where you might use both excuse me or i'm sorry. For example if you burp in public you could say "I'm sorry" but "Excuse me" would be more polite.
Please ask your teachers for some more examples.
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2 comments:
Thank you, Spoon!
I noticed I had recognized that something that might interupt or disturb anothr person is something wrong and I need to apologise.
I'll try to distinguish between them!
Mahalo! (It means 'thank you' in Hawaiian language:)
There are some confusing situations but if you have a situation and you don't know which to use please let me know. Good luck
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