申し訳ない
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Base i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Used to express deep apology or that something is unforgivable.
Theme
At a café, User accidentally spills coffee on their friend Yuka's notebook and apologizes sincerely.
申し訳ない
もうしわけない
inexcusable / I am sorry
Culture & SocietyTraditions & Customs
Memory Hook
Imagine you made a mistake and feel so sorry you can't find an excuse. You say, 'Moushiwake nai' — it sounds like 'motion-wake nay' — as if your motion (action) has no wake (excuse) left, making you feel 'inexcusable' or 'I am sorry.'
Cultural Note
In Japan, 『申し訳ない』 (moushiwake nai) is a formal and sincere apology used in serious situations, such as in business or when apologizing for a significant mistake. It expresses deep regret and is often accompanied by a bow.
Forms
Base: 申し訳ないBase i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Used to express deep apology or that something is unforgivable.
Negative: 申し訳なくないDrop 『い』 → add 『くない』 (kunai, negative) → 『申し訳なくない』 (moushiwake nakunai).
Past: 申し訳なかったDrop 『い』 → add 『かった』 (katta, past) → 『申し訳なかった』 (moushiwake nakatta).
Adverbial: 申し訳なくDrop 『い』 → add 『く』 (ku, adverbial) → 『申し訳なく』 (moushiwake naku).
Comparative: より申し訳ないComparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective.
Superlative: 一番申し訳ないSuperlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'number one / Most') + adjective.