General Q: Difference between 「すみません(sumimasen」&「ごめんなさい(gomen nasai)」
How different are these, and how/when to use them?
Both of these are used to say "I'm sorry", but each has distinct nuance. When you want to apologize, 「すみません・sumimasen」is almost always better.
すみません・sumimasen = Literal meaning is "It's not over", "I'm not done".
You intend to make amend, or some action follows.
- Nuance #1＝ When used for apology, it means, "I'm sorry for what I've done. I'd like to make amends."
- Nuance #2＝ When used to get someone's attention, it means, "Excuse me, I have something to ask you."
ごめんなさい・gomen nasai - Literal meaning is "please forgive me".
- Nuance #1＝When used for apology, it means, "I'm sorry, I admit I'm guilty", but that's it. You assume the other party will forgive you or you expect forgiveness without amend.
Though similar in meaning, 「すみません・sumimasen」is more polite, and thus, better to use it for apology. 「ごめんなさい・gomennasai」is ok with close friends and family.
Tip & Comment
Many people don't think much about these nuances, but for you, I recommend using the more polite 「すみません・sumimasen」
Also, Native speakers often use「すみません・sumimasen」to mean "thank you". The nuance here is something like "thank you and sorry for bothering you with this".
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