So, after having watched "Bleach" for a little while, I've heard this phrase over & over again, & I'm sure many of you have as well. The members of the 13 Protection Squads of the Court of Pure Souls (Seireitei) say this to their captains & other superiors A LOT!

Romaji: Moushiwake arimasen (MOE-shee-wah-kay-ah-REE-mah-SEN)

Japanese: 申し訳ありません　（もうしわけありません）

Meaning: I'm really sorry! (said in a VERY polite manner)

This is more polite than saying "gomen nasai" or "sumimasen". I'm not quite sure, but it might fall under the category of "honorifics" (keigo/敬語), which is an extremely polite way of speaking as well as humbling yourself. I'll explain more about honorifics another time...it can get complicated if you don't understand the basic grammatical concepts first. Please send me a message if you wish to ask a question about honorifics or whatever else may be on your mind!

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porkfairy