すみません

In a sentence

• すみません、道に迷ってしまいました。

  Excuse me, I got lost.

  Here, 'すみません' is used as a way to politely get someone's attention or to initiate a conversation with a stranger.

• この間のことで、すみませんでした。

  I apologize for what happened the other day.

  In this case, 'すみません' is used as an apology for a past event.

• すみません、ちょっと荷物を取ってくださいませんか？

  Excuse me, could you please pick up the package for me?

  Here, 'すみません' is used to politely request assistance or favor from someone.