Japanese word

謝罪

Pronunciation

Romajishazai

Meaning

  • nounapology

Example

彼の謝罪を受け入れました。kare no sha zai o u ke i re ma shi ta

I accepted his apology.

Illustration for 謝罪 (apology)

More examples

会社は事故について正式な謝罪を発表しました。kai sha wa ji ko ni tsu i te sei shiki na sha zai o hap pyō shi ma shi ta

The company issued a formal apology for the accident.

Core concept

It conveys formal recognition of a wrong and regret toward the person who was affected.

Common phrases

  • 謝罪を受け入れるsha zai o u ke i re ru

    accept an apology

  • 謝罪を求めるsha zai o moto me ru

    demand an apology

  • 正式な謝罪sei shiki na sha zai

    formal apology

  • 心からの謝罪kokoro ka ra no sha zai

    heartfelt apology

Similar words

謝りayamari: An expression of regret for a mistake or trouble caused to someone.
お詫びowabi: A polite expression of regret for causing trouble, harm, or offense.
陳謝chinsha: A formal apology that acknowledges responsibility for a fault.

Definition in Japanese

相手に自分の過ちや迷惑をわびること。ai te ni ji bun no ayama chi ya mei waku o wa bi ru ko to

Word origin

謝罪 (shazai) combines 謝 (sha, "apologize") and 罪 (zai, "wrongdoing"), forming a formal word for apologizing for a wrong.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 謝罪 (shazai) is common in business statements and news reports, while ごめん (gomen, "sorry") is more casual in conversation.

Related words

  • 謝罪するshazaisuruapologizeverb

Word lists with this word