Or rather apologies. Sorry for not posting more on this. I’ve been doing alot of studying on my own in other subjects, so my japanese fell by the wayside for a bit there. So to make up for it, lets give you a quickie lesson on apologizing. We won’t actually get into excuses till later…meaning when I get the hang of it myself.

すみません。

This first one (Sumimasen) is a very handy dandy one that gets used alot. It can be used for many situations. I think I shall touch on to the utility of the phrase later. Sometimes gets said (suimasen).

ごえめんなさい。

Gomennasai is another one of those common apologetics. The usage for this one is limited to apologizing. It seems to be a bit less formal than other forms of apoligizing so I would recommend being careful where you use this one.

ごめん。

A more casual apology. Can sometimes be replaced with (Gomen Ne) or (Gomen Na) the second being a more masculine way of use.

Now I will admit I have heard this following two as well, but as for their exact usage and whatnot, I cannot be too certain.

もうしわけありません。

Breaking open the dictionary on this one, it says that this is a very formal apology and is typically used when addressing a superior, like a boss or somesuch. Shows more feeling that Sumimasen.

しつれいしました。

Also formal apology but not quite as strong as (moushiwake arimasen). Now if I’m not terribly mistaken (and please please correct me if I am) it also can be used to the extent of (Sorry for the intrusion) when you come over to someone’s house or enter their office or something.

Anyway thats what I’ve got for today. I hope to get a bit more into the swing of things with this lovely blogspace.

Now since I am an optician by trade I have decided at the last minute to through some terms at you.

Optometry – kengan (けんがん）

Optometrist – shiryokukensai （しりょくけんさい）

vision test – shiryokukensa (しりょくけんさ）

Optician – meganeya（めがねや）

glasses – megane（めがね）

contact lens – kontakuto（コンタクト）