Hana wants to order, but her tiny “Excuse me…” disappears into the restaurant noise. Then someone at the next table says “Sumimasen!” A server responds.
Wait. That works?
What does it mean?
Sumimasen can mean “excuse me” or “I’m sorry,” depending on the situation. The Japan Foundation lists it as an apology expression; in a restaurant, it can also open an interaction with staff. Japan Foundation word list · Japan-guide: Dining out
In this episode, Hana isn’t apologizing for doing something wrong. She is learning a way to get someone’s attention.
At a restaurant
Japanese: すみません！
Reading: すみません！ · Sumimasen!
English: Excuse me!
Say it clearly when you need a server’s attention, then wait for a response. The point is to be heard, not to shout at someone. Some restaurants have a call button or an ordering system at the table; follow the setup where you are. Japan-guide: Dining out
The same word, a different situation
If you accidentally bump into someone, “Sumimasen” can be an apology. At the table, it can mean “Excuse me” before a request. Context tells the listener which job the phrase is doing.
It can also express consideration for trouble someone has taken on your behalf, which helps explain why a single English translation never covers every use. National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics
For now, Hana only needs the restaurant use. There’s no need to master every nuance in one evening.
What Hana learns
Her classmate explains the phrase, and Hana tries it as a server passes. The server turns toward her. That response turns a new sound into a word she can use.
Her private reaction: Polite summon spell: unlocked.
It’s a joke about her discovery, not a description of how to treat the person serving her.
Remember it
SUMIMASEN = “Excuse me” here; “sorry” in other situations.
Related: ONEGAISHIMASU, a phrase used when making a request. Hana will learn it later. For this episode, she has simply learned how to begin the interaction.
すみません！ · Sumimasen!
Excuse me!
Hana’s story is fictional. The linked sources support the language and cultural context. Practices can vary by setting.