I'm sorry for the trouble.

Working in Japan: Understanding Business Phrases

In Japanese business culture, apologizing appropriately is a crucial skill that demonstrates respect and maintains harmonious professional relationships. Today's phrase will help you express regret for causing inconvenience - a common and important scenario in Japanese workplace communication.

Learning Focus: This lesson teaches you how to properly apologize for causing trouble or inconvenience in a business context. You'll learn the components of a formal apology, proper grammar structures, and culturally appropriate ways to express regret.

Today's Phrase

ご面倒をおかけして申し訳ございません。

ごめんどうをおかけしてもうしわけございません。

Go mendō o okake shite mōshiwakegozaimasen.

I'm sorry for the trouble/inconvenience I've caused you.

Let's analyze each component

ご面倒

ごめんどう

Go mendō

Trouble/inconvenience

を

を

o

Object particle

おかけして

おかけして

okake shite

To cause (honorific)

申し訳ございません

もうしわけございません

mōshiwakegozaimasen

I am sorry (formal)

Grammar Point: Honorific Prefixes and Forms

This phrase uses multiple honorific elements to show respect:

• ご (go) - Honorific prefix attached to 面倒 (mendō) to elevate the noun
• お (o) - Honorific prefix in おかけして (okake shite) showing respect
• 申し訳ございません (mōshiwakegozaimasen) - The humble and formal version of "I'm sorry" versus the more casual すみません (sumimasen)

These elements combine to create a highly respectful apology appropriate for business settings.

Industry-Specific Usage

Corporate Environment

In office settings, this phrase is frequently used when requesting additional work from colleagues or when a mistake affects others' workflow. It acknowledges the impact of your actions on others' time and responsibilities. Department managers often use this phrase when distributing urgent tasks that disrupt normal work schedules.

Customer Service

Essential when service delays or problems occur, particularly in high-end retail, hospitality, or financial services. Often accompanied by a bow, this phrase demonstrates sincere regret for any inconvenience caused to customers. Many companies include this phrase in standard service recovery protocols when handling customer complaints.

Manufacturing

Commonly used when production issues affect delivery schedules or when requesting changes to manufacturing processes. This phrase is particularly important in just-in-time production environments where any delay can significantly impact the entire supply chain. It acknowledges the ripple effect of production disruptions.

IT Sector

Frequently used when system maintenance, updates, or errors require user action or cause workflow disruption. System administrators include this phrase in notification emails before scheduled maintenance windows or unexpected downtime. It acknowledges the inconvenience of technological interruptions in business operations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using casual forms: Saying 「めんどうかけてごめん」(mendō kakete gomen) is too casual for business settings and can appear disrespectful, especially to superiors or clients. The casual form lacks the honorific prefixes and humble language that show proper respect.
• Omitting honorific prefixes: Saying 「面倒をかけて申し訳ありません」(mendō o kakete mōshiwake arimasen) without "ご" sounds less respectful. In Japanese business culture, these honorific prefixes are essential markers of politeness and their absence can be noticed immediately.
• Inappropriate timing: Waiting too long to apologize can appear insincere in Japanese business culture. A prompt apology, even before the full extent of the inconvenience is known, is often more appreciated than a delayed but more detailed one.
• Apologizing without a solution: In business contexts, this phrase should typically be followed by how you'll resolve the issue or prevent recurrence. Without this, the apology may seem empty or merely performative rather than sincere.

Learner Note: Japanese business apologies generally follow a pattern of: 1) express regret, 2) acknowledge inconvenience caused, 3) explain (but not excuse) the situation, and 4) outline preventative measures. Following this structure shows sincerity and professionalism.

Business Etiquette Points

• Always bow slightly when delivering this apology in person. The depth of the bow reflects the severity of the inconvenience - a deeper bow indicates a more serious issue or greater inconvenience caused.
• In email communication, place this phrase near the beginning, before explaining the situation. This shows that acknowledging the inconvenience takes priority over providing details or justifications.
• Follow the apology with concrete steps for resolution. After expressing regret, outline what you will do to fix the situation or prevent it from happening again.
• If the inconvenience is significant, consider a small gift (手みやげ/temiyage) as additional apology. These "apology gifts" are common in Japanese business culture for more serious situations.
• Use appropriate tone and facial expressions that reflect sincere regret. Maintaining a serious demeanor reinforces the sincerity of your apology.

Cultural Note: In Japanese business culture, the act of apologizing is not necessarily an admission of error or incompetence, but rather an acknowledgment of how your actions have affected others. Apologizing appropriately is considered a sign of professionalism and social awareness.

Related Business Vocabulary

迷惑をおかけする

めいわくをおかけする

Meiwaku o okake suru

To cause trouble or inconvenience

失礼いたしました

しつれいいたしました

Shitsurei itashimashita

I was rude (formal apology)

お詫び申し上げます

おわびもうしあげます

Owabi mōshiagemasu

I offer my apologies (very formal)

責任を取ります

せきにんをとります

Sekinin o torimasu

I will take responsibility

再発防止に努めます

さいはつぼうしにつとめます

Saihatsu bōshi ni tsutomemasu

I will work to prevent recurrence

ご不便をおかけします

ごふべんをおかけします

Go-fuben o okake shimasu

This will cause you inconvenience

Role-Play Scenarios

Scenario 1: Apologizing for a Delayed Report

山田（営業部）： 佐藤さん、予算報告書ですが、データの確認に時間がかかっています。
やまだ（えいぎょうぶ）：さとうさん、よさんほうこくしょですが、データのかくにんにじかんがかかっています。
Yamada (Eigyōbu): Satō-san, yosan hōkokusho desu ga, dēta no kakunin ni jikan ga kakatte imasu.
Yamada (Sales Dept.): Mr. Sato, regarding the budget report, it's taking time to verify the data.

佐藤（財務部）： いつ完成しますか？
さとう（ざいむぶ）：いつかんせいしますか？
Satō (Zaimubu): Itsu kansei shimasu ka?
Sato (Finance Dept.): When will it be completed?

山田： 明日の午後になります。ご面倒をおかけして申し訳ございません。
やまだ：あしたのごごになります。ごめんどうをおかけしてもうしわけございません。
Yamada: Ashita no gogo ni narimasu. Go mendō o okake shite mōshiwakegozaimasen.
Yamada: It will be tomorrow afternoon. I'm sorry for the trouble.

佐藤： わかりました。よろしくお願いします。
さとう：わかりました。よろしくおねがいします。
Satō: Wakarimashita. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Sato: I understand. Please take care of it.

Language Point: Professional Explanation

Notice how Yamada first explains the situation briefly with 「データの確認に時間がかかっています」 (It's taking time to verify the data) before apologizing. This provides context without making excuses, and focuses on the process rather than personal failure - a common approach in Japanese business communication.

Scenario 2: System Maintenance Notice

鈴木（システム管理）： お客様各位、明日システムメンテナンスを実施いたします。
すずき（システムかんり）：おきゃくさまかくい、あしたシステムメンテナンスをじっしいたします。
Suzuki (Shisutemu kanri): Okyakusama kakui, ashita shisutemu mentenansu o jisshi itashimasu.
Suzuki (System Admin): To all customers, we will conduct system maintenance tomorrow.

鈴木： 午前十時から午後二時まで利用できません。
すずき：ごぜんじゅうじからごごにじまでりようできません。
Suzuki: Gozen jūji kara gogo niji made riyō dekimasen.
Suzuki: The system will be unavailable from 10 AM to 2 PM.

鈴木： ご面倒をおかけして申し訳ございません。
すずき：ごめんどうをおかけしてもうしわけございません。
Suzuki: Go mendō o okake shite mōshiwakegozaimasen.
Suzuki: We apologize for the inconvenience.

鈴木： ご理解とご協力をお願い申し上げます。
すずき：ごりかいとごきょうりょくをおねがいもうしあげます。
Suzuki: Go rikai to go kyōryoku o onegai mōshiagemasu.
Suzuki: We ask for your understanding and cooperation.

Language Point: Preemptive Apology

In this scenario, the apology comes before the inconvenience actually occurs. This preemptive apology is common in Japanese business communication and shows awareness of how your actions will impact others. The final line requesting understanding and cooperation is also a standard closing for notices that will cause inconvenience.

Similar Expressions

ご不便をおかけして申し訳ございません

ごふべんをおかけしてもうしわけございません

Go fuben o okake shite mōshiwakegozaimasen

I apologize for the inconvenience

お待たせして申し訳ございません

おまたせしてもうしわけございません

Omatase shite mōshiwakegozaimasen

I apologize for keeping you waiting

ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません

ごめいわくをおかけしてもうしわけございません

Go meiwaku o okake shite mōshiwakegozaimasen

I apologize for troubling you

お手数をおかけして申し訳ございません

おてすうをおかけしてもうしわけございません

Otesū o okake shite mōshiwakegozaimasen

I apologize for the extra work/effort

Language Pattern: Apology Structure

Japanese business apologies often follow this pattern:

• ご/お + [inconvenience noun] + をおかけして - Specifies what inconvenience you caused
• 申し訳ございません - Formal expression of regret

By changing the noun in the first part, you can tailor your apology to the specific type of inconvenience caused, while maintaining the same formal structure.

Quick Quiz

When should you use "ご面倒をおかけして申し訳ございません" in a business email?

What particle follows "ご面倒" in this phrase?

What gesture typically accompanies this apology in person?

How would you modify this phrase to make it less formal for colleagues you're close with?

Pronunciation Tips

Pronounce "go" shortly

Pronounce "go" as a short sound, not extended. Many learners elongate the "o" sound, which is incorrect. The sound should be crisp and short.

Accent in "okake shite"

Place stress on the "o" and "ke" sounds. The correct rhythm sounds like "O-ka-KE-shi-te" with a slight emphasis on the capitalized parts. This creates the natural cadence Japanese speakers use.

Rhythm of "mōshiwakegozaimasen"

Break this long word into manageable chunks: "mōshiwake-gozai-ma-sen". Don't rush through it - maintaining the rhythm shows sincerity and careful articulation, which is important when apologizing.

Overall intonation

When apologizing, use a slightly falling intonation at the end of the phrase, not rising. This downward inflection conveys sincerity and respect, whereas a rising tone might sound questioning or insincere.

Pronunciation Tip: Recording yourself saying this phrase and comparing it to native speakers can help perfect your pronunciation. Pay special attention to the rhythm and pitch patterns, which carry significant emotional nuance in Japanese apologies.

Cultural Context

This apology phrase reflects several key aspects of Japanese business and social culture that are important to understand for effective communication:

和 (Wa - Harmony)

The concept of harmony is central to Japanese society. Apologizing appropriately helps maintain smooth relationships and workplace harmony. By acknowledging the inconvenience you've caused, you show awareness of your impact on the group dynamic and take responsibility for preserving harmony.

先回り (Sakimawari - Proactive Consideration)

Japanese business culture values anticipating needs and problems before they arise. Preemptive apologies demonstrate this forward-thinking consideration for others. Even when inconvenience is unavoidable, acknowledging it before it occurs shows respect for others' time and circumstances.

上下関係 (Jōge kankei - Hierarchical Relationships)

The formal language in this apology reflects awareness of hierarchical relationships in Japanese business. Using honorific prefixes and humble language demonstrates your understanding of relative positions and shows appropriate respect, particularly when apologizing to superiors or clients.

責任感 (Sekininkan - Sense of Responsibility)

Japanese business culture places high value on taking responsibility for one's actions. A proper apology demonstrates personal accountability and professionalism. Unlike in some Western contexts, apologizing in Japanese business culture is seen as a strength rather than a weakness - it shows emotional intelligence and social awareness.

Cultural Insight: In Japanese business culture, apologies are often not just about expressing regret but are a form of relationship maintenance. The way you apologize can significantly impact how you're perceived professionally. A well-delivered apology can actually strengthen business relationships by demonstrating your commitment to harmony and consideration for others.

Quiz Answers

When should you use "ご面倒をおかけして申し訳ございません" in a business email?

You should use this phrase when your request or action causes extra work, delays, or inconvenience to the recipient. For example, when asking colleagues to resubmit documents, when notifying about delays, when requesting additional information, or when system changes require user action.

What particle follows "ご面倒" in this phrase?

The particle 「を」(o) follows "ご面倒" because it marks the direct object of the verb "おかけして" (to cause/give).

What gesture typically accompanies this apology in person?

A bow (お辞儀/ojigi) typically accompanies this apology when delivered in person. The depth of the bow often corresponds to the severity of the inconvenience caused.

How would you modify this phrase to make it less formal for colleagues you're close with?

For closer colleagues, you could say "面倒かけてすみません" (mendō kakete sumimasen). This removes the honorific prefixes "ご" and "お" and uses the less formal "すみません" instead of "申し訳ございません," while still maintaining appropriate workplace politeness.

Practice Challenge

Practice using today's phrase in these various business scenarios:

Write an email requesting additional information from a client, acknowledging the extra work this will require.

Practice apologizing for a delayed delivery to a customer, explaining the reason briefly and providing a new delivery date.

Create a notice about scheduled system maintenance that will temporarily disrupt service, apologizing appropriately for the inconvenience.

Role-play asking a colleague to revise a document you've already submitted, acknowledging the extra work this creates.

For each scenario, remember to follow the apology with a concrete solution or preventative measure to demonstrate sincerity and professionalism. Practice the appropriate bow depth for in-person scenarios.

Practice Tip: In addition to memorizing the phrase itself, practice the entire apology sequence: 1) express regret, 2) acknowledge inconvenience, 3) briefly explain without excuse, and 4) offer solution or prevention. This complete structure is what makes Japanese business apologies effective.

© Japan WorkCulture Wizard