Meaning
「I'm sorry, but can」は日常会話でよく使われるフレーズです。この表現は、誰かに何かをお願いする時や質問をする際に、丁寧さを加えるために用いられます。
このフレーズは「申し訳ないのですが、〜できますか?」といったニュアンスを持っており、相手に対して配慮を示しつつ、自分の要求を伝えるのに役立ちます。例として、相手に何かを頼む状況で使われることが多いです。
使い方の例:
- 「I'm sorry, but can you help me with this task?」
日本語訳: 「申し訳ないのですが、この作業を手伝ってもらえますか?」 - 「I'm sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?」
日本語訳: 「申し訳ありませんが、会議の日程を再調整できますか?」
このように、「I'm sorry, but can」は相手に対する丁寧さを示しつつ、自分の希望を伝える便利なフレーズです。相手に対する尊重を示しながら、お願いをしたい場合に使用することをお勧めします。
Today's Sentences
- I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
- I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
- I’m sorry, but can you help me?
- I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
- I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
- Writer's Note
01
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Situation 1
Hello, the company would like to confirm your appointment for today?
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Of course.
When would you like to book another meeting?
次のミーティングはいつご予約されますか?
Perhaps this Thursday at 2pm?
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Sure.
Is everything ok?
大丈夫ですか?
Things are great.
I just double booked today, I apologize.
今日はダブルブッキングしてしまい、申し訳ありません。
No problem.
Let me know when you have time.
時間がある時に教えてください。
02
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Situation 1
Where should we go for lunch?
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Is everything ok?
I’m just not feeling so well today.
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Of course. Is something wrong?
I got called into work today.
That’s too bad. Let’s reschedule!
03
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Situation 1
Are you ok?
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Do you want me to call emergency?
Yes, please. I can’t seem to move at all.
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Gladly! How can I help?
I just need someone to help me across the street.
I can get you across, no problem.
04
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Situation 1
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Sure.
Did something happen?
何かあったのですか?
Yes actually,
I have a family emergency.
家族に緊急事態が発生しました。
Don’t worry about work,
be with your family.
家族と一緒にいましょう。
Situation 2
Do you think I can get that report from you?
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Oh, is everything alright?
I’ve been sick since lunch and I think I need to go home.
05
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
Situation 1
How are your classes coming along?
Good. But..
Do you have something to ask?
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
May I ask why?
The teacher I have now speaks a little too quickly for me.
Ok, let me see who else is available and I’ll get back to you.
Writer's Note
We can also use "sorry" to politely interrupt somebody or to politely get somebody's attention. We often use this before we make a request similarly to "excuse me" (if you don’t want to use "sorry").
- I’m sorry, but could I borrow your pen?
- We’re sorry, but is this seat taken?
- I’m sorry, but can you please speak more slowly?
- I’m sorry, but can you move your bag? It’s blocking the seat.
- I’m sorry, but can I get a different size? This one’s too small.
- I’m sorry, but can you explain that again? I didn’t quite catch it.
- I’m sorry, but can you wait just a few more minutes?
- I’m sorry, but can we talk later? I’m in a meeting right now.
Practice using the example sentences, then write new ones that match your situation. Creating sentences based on your own context helps you learn faster.