Apologies and Schedule Changes
謝罪と予定変更 — Practical Japanese for restaurant communication
⏱️ About 10-15 min ／ 📊 Level: Beginner (N4) ／ 🗣️ Listening + Speaking
🎯 Lesson Goal
In this lesson, you will practice apologies and schedule changes in a realistic restaurant situation.
You will learn how to:
- Use the main pattern for i am very sorry.
- Start the conversation politely
- Give or confirm one clear detail
- Respond after receiving an answer
- Avoid a common workplace misunderstanding
💬 Workplace Dialogue
Scene 1: The Workplace Situation
Scene 2: Confirming the Next Step
🔑 Key Phrases
- Meaning: I am very sorry.
- Use: Use for a significant workplace apology.
- Meaning: I will be a little late.
- Use: Give notice as early as possible.
- Meaning: I will be about ___ minutes late.
- Use: Give a useful estimate.
- Meaning: I am not feeling well.
- Use: A simple reason for absence or leaving early.
- Meaning: I will contact you when I arrive.
- Use: State the next update.
🧭 How to Use
A. A safe workplace flow
- Start with 「すみません」 or the person’s name.
- Say 「申し訳ありません。」.
- Add one useful detail.
- Listen, confirm, and say 「わかりました」.
B. Choose the right pattern
| Situation | Safe expression |
|---|---|
| I am very sorry. | 申し訳ありません。 |
| I will be a little late. | 少し遅れます。 |
| I will be about ___ minutes late. | 〇分ほど遅れます。 |
| I am not feeling well. | 体調が悪いです。 |
C. Common Mistake
D. Workplace note
- Keep the reason short and factual.
- Contact the workplace as early as you reasonably can.
✏️ Practice
Practice A: Choose the Best Expression
1. You want to say: “I am very sorry.” a. 申し訳ありません。 b. 〇分ほど遅れます。 c. じゃあね。
2. You want to say: “I will be a little late.” a. 少し遅れます。 b. 体調が悪いです。 c. じゃあね。
3. You want to say: “I will be about ___ minutes late.” a. 〇分ほど遅れます。 b. 着いたら連絡します。 c. じゃあね。
Show Answers
- a | 2. a | 3. a
Practice B: Complete the Dialogue
A: すみません。________________________。
B: はい。
A: 少し遅れます。
B: わかりました。
Show Answers
申し訳ありません。
Practice C: Use a Safer Workplace Expression
- わからない。 → ________________________
- Say politely: “I will be a little late.” → ________________________
- Say politely: “I will be about ___ minutes late.” → ________________________
Show Answers
- すみません、よくわかりません。 | 2. 少し遅れます。 | 3. 〇分ほど遅れます。
Practice D: Role-Play
Practice the restaurant situation from the dialogue.
You: Get the other person’s attention and explain the situation. Partner: Give an answer or instruction. You: Confirm the next action and close politely.
⭐ Natural Japanese Upgrade
Upgrade 1
- BASIC – 遅れます。
- MORE POLITE / FORMAL – 申し訳ありません。少し遅れます。
Upgrade 2
- BASIC – 休みます。
- MORE POLITE / FORMAL – 大変申し訳ありませんが、本日は休ませていただけますか。
✅ Mini Review
Remember these safe expressions:
- 申し訳ありません。 — I am very sorry.
- 少し遅れます。 — I will be a little late.
- 〇分ほど遅れます。 — I will be about ___ minutes late.
- 体調が悪いです。 — I am not feeling well.
- 着いたら連絡します。 — I will contact you when I arrive.
The safest pattern: Get attention → say 「申し訳ありません。」 → add one detail → confirm the next action.
FAQ
Q. Is 「申し訳ありません。」 polite enough at work?
Yes. It is a safe standard expression for coworkers and supervisors when used with a calm tone.
Q. What should I do if I still do not understand?
Ask one shorter question. You can also say 「すみません、もう一度お願いします」.
Q. Should I confirm the answer?
Yes. Repeat the key action, time, place, or person, then say 「わかりました」.
🗣️ Practice Ideas
- Practice the dialogue with a different restaurant task.
- Change one detail and practice a short follow-up question.
Want to Practice with a Teacher?
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