“Mooshiwake gozaimasen”
I’l like to introduce an interesting aspect of Japanese speech.
Japanese often start their ceremony greeting with apology.
Displaying of modesty is considered a sign of virtue, and thus opening conversation with apology words prepare the amicable atmosphere and promote interaction. Saying “sumimasen” or “mooshiwake arimasen” are translated as “I’m sorry”.
However, it’s not admitting their fault. It’s a process of getting to the main discussion topic.
Interesting isn’t it?
