The origin of the word comes from the word "済む (Sumu)" meaning end/ finish/ complete. The word "済む (Sumu)" also includes interpretations such as "it's solved", "~ is satisfied". This meaning changes when it is the negative form "～ません (~masen)" is added to the end of the word, and turns into "済みません (Sumimasen)", which the exact translation now means "can not be solved" or "can not be satisfied".
Because the pronunciation of "すみません (Sumimasen)" gradually changed, it is pretty common for people to also use "すいません (Suimasen)" too.
"すみません (Sumimasen)" and "すいません (Suimasen)" are used in various situations to express the following in a casual manner:
- I'm sorry
- Excuse me
- Sorry to cause you trouble
- Thank you
It's very useful because you can use it in various situations, and it makes you sound very Japanese by using this word, but please be careful, because it's basically a casual way of expression.
- When you bumped into someone on the train and want to apologize very casually.
- When you got lost in the streets and want to stop someone to ask for the direction to the nearest train station.
- When you want to call the waitress to request for the beverage menu.
- When you are trying on the size M clothing but it's too big for you, and the shop clerk brought the S size for you.
If you want to sincerely apologize or show your gratitude in a bigger way, it is better to use expressions such as "申し訳ございません(I apologize)" or "ありがとうございます(Arigato gozaimasu)".
