synonym Comparative
申し訳ない
VS
とどのつまり
Differences Between "申し訳ない" and "とどのつまり"
Option A
申し訳ない
Meaning
I'm sorry; inexcusable; I feel bad (used when one has caused trouble or inconvenience)
Reading
もうしわけない (moushiwakenai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
ご迷惑をおかけして、本当に申し訳ありません。
I am truly sorry for causing you trouble.
Option B
とどのつまり
Meaning
after all; in the end; ultimately; when all is said and done
Reading
とどのつまり (todono-tsumari)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
色々考えてみたが、とどのつまり、今の仕事を続けるのが一番だと結論した。
I thought about various things, but ultimately, I concluded that continuing my current job was the best option.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(I'm sorry; inexcusable; I feel bad (used when one has caused trouble or inconvenience))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 申し訳ない: A polite and somewhat formal expression of apology, often stronger than すみません. It implies that there is no excuse for one's actions or the situation.
- とどのつまり: Used to summarize or state the ultimate conclusion after considering various factors, often implying an unavoidable or somewhat negative outcome. 結局 (kekkyoku) is a close synonym but とどのつまり carries a stronger nuance of inevitability or finality after a complex process.
- 申し訳ない: A polite and somewhat formal expression of apology, often stronger than すみません. It implies that there is no excuse for one's actions or the situation.
- とどのつまり: Used to summarize or state the ultimate conclusion after considering various factors, often implying an unavoidable or somewhat negative outcome. 結局 (kekkyoku) is a close synonym but とどのつまり carries a stronger nuance of inevitability or finality after a complex process.
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