Have you ever found yourself in a Japanese restaurant, waiting for your order, when suddenly the server approaches with a warm smile and says “Omatase shimashita”? If you’re like most foreigners visiting Japan, you probably nodded politely while secretly wondering what on earth they just said. Well, you’re about to discover that those four syllables contain centuries of Japanese cultural wisdom about respect, patience, and the art of human connection.
Understanding “omatase shimashita” isn’t just about learning another Japanese phrase – it’s like getting a backstage pass to one of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know exactly what it means, but you’ll also understand why this simple expression reveals so much about Japanese society’s approach to relationships and respect.
What Does “Omatase Shimashita” Actually Mean?
Let’s break down this beautiful phrase piece by piece. “Omatase shimashita” (お待たせしました) literally translates to something like “I have made you wait,” but that’s where things get interesting. The phrase consists of three parts: “o” (お) which is an honorific prefix showing respect, “matase” (待たせ) which is the causative form of the verb “to wait,” and “shimashita” (しました) which is the polite past tense ending.
Most Japanese-English dictionaries will tell you it means “sorry for keeping you waiting” or “thank you for waiting,” but here’s where it gets culturally fascinating. While English speakers would typically say “sorry” when they’ve kept someone waiting, Japanese speakers often frame it as gratitude rather than an apology. It’s not “I’m sorry I made you wait” but rather “thank you for your patience.”
The pronunciation is “oh-mah-tah-seh shee-mah-shee-tah,” with each syllable getting roughly equal emphasis. You might also see it romanized as “omataseshimashita” without the spaces, but the pronunciation remains the same.
Beyond Translation: The Cultural Heart of Japanese Politeness
This is where “omatase shimashita” becomes truly fascinating. The phrase embodies something called “omotenashi” – the Japanese philosophy of selfless hospitality. When a Japanese person says “omatase shimashita,” they’re not just acknowledging a delay; they’re expressing genuine appreciation for your patience and understanding.
Take Yamada-san, a 40-something male restaurant manager in Tokyo. He explains that when he greets customers with “omatase shimashita” after preparing their order, he’s not apologizing for doing his job. Instead, he’s thanking them for trusting him with their time and showing respect for their patience. “It’s about acknowledging the other person’s kindness,” he says, “not admitting fault.”
This cultural difference runs deep. Western cultures often view waiting as an inconvenience that requires an apology, while Japanese culture sees patience as a virtue worthy of gratitude. When someone waits for you in Japan, they’re giving you a gift of their time, and “omatase shimashita” is your way of acknowledging and appreciating that gift.
When and How to Use “Omatase Shimashita”
In business settings, you’ll hear this phrase constantly. Restaurant servers use it when bringing food to your table. Shop clerks say it when they’ve finished wrapping your purchase. Office workers use it when returning from getting documents or completing a task that required someone to wait.
Tanaka-san, a 20-something female convenience store clerk in Osaka, shares her experience: “I probably say ‘omatase shimashita’ over a hundred times during my shift. When I’m heating up a customer’s bento, when I’m checking inventory, even when I’m just processing their payment – anytime someone has to wait, even for thirty seconds.”
But it’s not limited to service situations. Friends use it too, though often in a more casual form. If you keep a friend waiting at a café, you might say “omatase” (the shortened version) when you arrive. The key is recognizing when someone has extended patience on your behalf, whether it’s a customer, colleague, or friend.
The timing matters too. You say “omatase shimashita” when you return or when you’re ready to proceed, not as a preemptive apology. It’s about acknowledging what has already happened rather than what might happen.
Understanding the Politeness Level
“Omatase shimashita” sits comfortably in the middle of Japanese politeness levels. It’s formal enough for business situations but not so formal that it sounds stiff in casual contexts. In the intricate world of Japanese keigo (honorific language), this phrase uses what’s called teineigo – polite language that shows respect without being overly humble or overly elevating.
For even more formal situations, you might hear “omatase itashimashita” (お待たせいたしました), which is humbler and more deferential. Conversely, close friends might just say “omatase” or even “gomen, matasechatte” (sorry for making you wait) in very casual situations.
Sato-san, a 30-something male businessman from Nagoya, notes that he adjusts his language based on the relationship: “With clients, I use ‘omatase itashimashita.’ With colleagues, ‘omatase shimashita’ is perfect. With my college friends, just ‘omatase’ works fine.”
How to Respond Appropriately
Here’s something that often puzzles foreigners: how do you respond to “omatase shimashita”? The good news is that in many situations, especially in service contexts, no verbal response is expected or needed. A simple nod or “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu) works perfectly.
In more personal situations, common responses include “iie, daijoubu desu” (no, it’s fine) or “zenzen” (not at all). The key is to graciously accept their gratitude without making a big deal about having waited.
Kimura-san, a 50-something female teacher from Kyoto, explains her approach: “When someone says ‘omatase shimashita’ to me, I usually just smile and nod. They’re being polite, and I want to accept that politeness gracefully. Sometimes I’ll say ‘arigatou gozaimasu’ back, but often silence is the most appropriate response.”
Similar Expressions You Should Know
Once you understand “omatase shimashita,” other Japanese waiting-related phrases start making more sense. “Shoushou omachi kudasai” (少々お待ちください) means “please wait a moment” and is what you’ll hear before someone says “omatase shimashita.” “Omachi kudasai” is the standard “please wait,” while “chotto matte” is the casual “wait a sec” you’d use with friends.
These phrases work together in Japanese conversation like a polite dance. First comes the request to wait, then the activity, then the gratitude for waiting. It’s a rhythm that reflects Japanese society’s emphasis on consideration and mutual respect.
Real-Life Scenarios in Action
Picture this: you’re at a busy ramen shop in Shibuya. You place your order, and the cook calls out “shoushou omachi kudasai” while he prepares your meal. Five minutes later, he slides your steaming bowl across the counter with a warm “omatase shimashita.” You nod, say “arigatou gozaimasu,” and everyone’s happy.
Or imagine you’re in a business meeting where your colleague steps out to get some documents. When they return, they’ll likely say “omatase shimashita” to the room before sitting down. It’s not because they took too long – it’s because they recognize that their absence required everyone else to pause and wait.
Matsumoto-san, a 30-something male office worker from Tokyo, describes his daily experience: “I use ‘omatase shimashita’ probably twenty times a day at work. Going to the printer, coming back from lunch, even returning from the bathroom if people were waiting to start a meeting. It’s just natural consideration.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes foreigners make is over-apologizing in response to “omatase shimashita.” Remember, the person isn’t apologizing to you – they’re thanking you. Responding with “it’s okay” or “no problem” can actually sound a bit off because it implies you’re forgiving them for something they didn’t do wrong.
Another common error is using it inappropriately. You don’t say “omatase shimashita” when you’re the one who was waiting, and you don’t use it as a preemptive apology before making someone wait. It’s specifically for acknowledging patience that has already been shown.
The pronunciation can trip people up too. Many learners rush through it or put emphasis on the wrong syllables. Practice saying it slowly and clearly – the Japanese will appreciate your effort even if it’s not perfect.
Why This Matters for Understanding Japan
“Omatase shimashita” is more than just a phrase – it’s a window into Japanese values. It shows how Japanese culture prioritizes harmony, consideration, and mutual respect in even the smallest daily interactions. Understanding this phrase helps you appreciate why Japanese service is so renowned worldwide and why Japanese society functions so smoothly despite being incredibly dense and fast-paced.
When you hear “omatase shimashita” in Japan, you’re experiencing a culture that has refined politeness into an art form. It’s a reminder that even in our hurried modern world, taking a moment to acknowledge someone’s patience and show gratitude can make all the difference.
The next time you’re in Japan and someone says “omatase shimashita” to you, you’ll know you’re receiving something special – not just service, but a small gift of respect and appreciation that embodies centuries of Japanese cultural wisdom about how people should treat each other.