Please explain this phrase

E

espen180

先輩

1 Mar 2009

49

1

• 16 Mar 2009

• #1

I was watching an anime, and there was a woman holding a sign saying:

すいません でした。

Which means "I am sorry", but I am wondering about the use of the -ta base of です. Can someone explain why the use of です in this phrase?

ありがとう。


EDIT:

It means 'was', right?

 

Last edited: 16 Mar 2009

Toritoribe

松葉解禁

Moderator

Fifteen-year veteran

22 Feb 2008

18,266

4,926

• 16 Mar 2009

• #2

You got it. Because it's past when the accident she apologizes for was happened. Plus, すいません without です could be interpreted as "excuse me" in that case.

 

E

espen180

先輩

1 Mar 2009

49

1

• 16 Mar 2009

• Thread starter
• #3

そう です。 Thanks for the answer.

ありがとう。