Both "Gomennasai" and "Sumimasen" are used when you have made amistake or inconvenienced someone. "Sumimasen" is also used when expressing a feeling of gratitude, but "Gomennasai" cannot be used in such situations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-173806909-5792bbe55f9b58173bdf1d3c.jpg "These Japanese Apology Words Come With Nuances (1)")
For the most part, it comes down to a matter of personal preference whether to use either "Sumimasen （すみません）" or "Gomennasai （ごめんなさい）", but there are a few subtleties to be aware of.
- "Sumimasen" is a little more formal than "Gomennasai."
- When you apologize to the higher or the senior, "Sumimasen" is used in general.
- Among the family members or close friends, it is common to use "Gomennasai." "Gomen ne" or "Gomen" can be used in a more casual case.
- Older people tend to use "Sumimasen" more than younger people.
"Gomennasai" can be used when apologizing to someone with whom you have a close relationship. But when speaking with superiors or people with whom one is not very close, "Sumimasen" or "Moushiwake arimasen" are used instead, since "Gomennasi" can have a childish ring to it.
