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#2
SUMIMASEN, a versatile word
Check the pronunciation!
Anna, if you want to get someone's attention in Japanese, just say SUMIMASEN.
What? I thought SUMIMASEN means "I'm sorry."
Japanese people use SUMIMASEN all the time. They can't get through the day without it.
SUMIMASEN has many different meanings: "I'm sorry", "thank you" and to get someone's attention.
It might be confusing at first, but once you've used it for a while, it'll become second nature.
When Japanese people say SUMIMASEN, they often bow in appreciation or apology.
The angle reflects the depth of the emotion.
Bowing deeply by bending at the waist expresses a strong feeling.
SUMIMASEN works in all kinds of situations. It can be used to apologize, to show appreciation or to get someone's attention.
If you want to learn more:
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