Some time ago we answered the difference between onegai and kudasai. In this article, we will answer the difference between sumimasen and gomennasai and when to use each of these words.
Both words sumimasen (すみません) and gomennasai (ごめんなさい) can mean: I'm sorry, excuse me, I apologize, forgiveness. However, there are some differences between the two words.
At a basic level, sumimasen is to apologize for something you have the "right" to do, like when you pass through a crowd or get the attention of a waiter in a restaurant. On the other hand, gomennasai is used when you do something inappropriate.
So, when walking in a crowd, you can say sumimasen (excuse me), but if you step on someone's foot, you say gomennasai (sorry).
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What does Sumimasen mean?
The Sumimasen is like saying "excuse me," or a light apology, or when you ask someone in the street, trying to do anything that might become an inconvenience to another person.
The sumimasen is a bit more formal than gomennasai because it is a more sincere form. When you apologize to an elderly person, it is common to say sumimasen. Older people tend to use sumimasen more than young people. Both "gomennasai" and "sumimasen" are used when you make some mistakes or disturb someone. "Sumimasen" is also used to express gratitude.
When you apologize to someone of a higher level than yours, like your boss, it's better to use sumimasen, because gomennasai might sound more childish.
There are informal versions of the word sumimasen which are: すまん (suman) or すまない (sumanai), their use has the same meaning, but with a degree of casualness.
Sumimasen it can also mean "Thank you" just like arigatou. You can use it in place of arigatou when someone does something for you, so you are apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking you.
What does Gomennasai mean?
gomennasai is a true apology, when you really do something wrong. But it is common among young people and children, and among friends and family. It cannot be used to express gratitude.
There are informal versions of the word like ごめんね (gomenne - occasional) or ごめん (gomen - more casual). It is very common to use these versions among friends and family.
申し訳ありません (Mōshiwakearimasen) or 申し訳ございません (Mōshiwakegozaimasen) is a more formal version of gomennasai, used when we make a very serious, unforgivable mistake, on occasions of utmost importance, or when we are apologizing on behalf of several people or an organization. This apology is often made along with a reverencia.
I hope this article has cleared your doubts regarding these 2 similar words.