SUMIMASEN

Sumimasen means excuse me or sorry. If you need to ask a question, walk past people in crowded places, or about to order then sumimasen is the word to use. At restaurants, you can use the word sumimasen to summon the waiter/waitress as well. In Japan, waiters and waitresses won’t come to your table unless you call them. It is polite for the waiter/waitress to come to your table only if you are called as they don’t want to bother you during your meal.

Photo Credit: Voyapon