Sorry I'm Late in Japanese: おそくなってすみません（JLPT N5 Phrases）

Sorry I'm Late: Japanese Apology Phrases (JLPT N5)

Learn how to apologize for being late in Japanese (JLPT N5)! Use おそくなって、すみません (Osoku natte, sumimasen) when you've become late, or おくれて、すみません (Okurete, sumimasen) for getting delayed. Perfect phrases for meetings, school, or dates—with full grammar breakdown (te-form + sumimasen) and romaji. Essential politeness for beginners!


I'm sorry I'm late.

Osoku natte, sumimasen (Became Late)

  • おそくなって、すみません。Osoku natte, sumimasen.
    osoku = adv. of "osoi"(late)
    natte = te-form of "narimasu" (become)
    sumimasen = I'm sorry.

Okurete, sumimasen (Got Late)

  • おくれて、すみません。 Okurete, sumimasen.
    okurete = adv. of "okuremasu" (get late)

Updated Dec. 2025