Japanese Lesson! Part 1

"Sumimasen"


Everyone believe that Japanese "Sumimasen" means " I'm sorry" in Japanese. It is correct, but it means also "Thank you so much" in Japanese. In fact, we used more "Sumimasen" than "Arigato" for thank you.

Actually, in our daily life, we don't use Arigato for thank you because it is too light and kiddish. Sumimasen is more polite.

Is it confusing?

Well let me explain, Sumimasen comes originally from Kotoba de sumaseru koto gadekimasen which means, there is no word to appreciate your kindness. Or, there is no word to apologize to you. So, we use this for both situation.

So, simple and kiddish word for I'm sorry is "Gomennasai." However, Gomennasai and Arigato is just to casual.

If you use Sumimasen for thank you, people think that you know Japanese well.

Oh, by the way, suimasen and sumimasen is the same in Japanese.