1A polite expression of apology meaning "I'm sorry" or "I feel bad" — more formal than すみません and commonly used with superiors or in business settings.
遅刻してしまって、本当に申し訳ない。
I'm really sorry for being late.
お客様にご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ないと思っております。
I feel truly sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers.
約束を守れなくて申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいだ。
I feel completely apologetic for not being able to keep my promise.
何度も同じ質問をして申し訳ないのですが、もう一度説明していただけますか。
I'm sorry to ask the same question again, but could you explain it once more?
2Used to express gratitude mixed with a sense of being sorry for the trouble someone went to — roughly "I'm so grateful, I almost feel bad about it."
こんなに親切にしていただいて、申し訳ないくらいです。
You've been so kind to me that I almost feel bad about it.
わざわざ迎えに来てもらって申し訳ない。助かったよ。
Thank you so much for coming all the way to pick me up — I really appreciate it.