A1 noun Formal #2,635 most common

謝罪

shazai /ɕaza i/

A formal apology or expression of regret for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing. It is typically used in professional, official, or serious contexts to admit fault and seek forgiveness.

Examples

3 of 5
1

彼は遅刻したことについて謝罪した。

He apologized for being late.

2

政府は過去の過ちについて公式に謝罪しました。

The government officially apologized for past mistakes.

3

謝罪くらいしてよ。

At least give me an apology.

Word Family

Noun
謝罪
Verb
謝罪する
Related
謝罪状
💡

Memory Tip

The kanji 謝 (to apologize) contains 'words' (言). Think of 'shooting' (射) out 'words' (言) to hit the target of forgiveness for your 'sin/crime' (罪).

Quick Quiz

社長は顧客に対して深く(  )した。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 謝罪

Examples

1

彼は遅刻したことについて謝罪した。

everyday

He apologized for being late.

2

政府は過去の過ちについて公式に謝罪しました。

formal

The government officially apologized for past mistakes.

3

謝罪くらいしてよ。

informal

At least give me an apology.

4

本論文では、謝罪の言語学的構造を分析する。

academic

This paper analyzes the linguistic structure of apologies.

5

不手際によりご迷惑をおかけしたことを深く謝罪いたします。

business

We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused by our mismanagement.

Word Family

Noun
謝罪
Verb
謝罪する
Related
謝罪状

Common Collocations

謝罪を求める to demand an apology
謝罪を受け入れる to accept an apology
公式な謝罪 an official apology
謝罪文を書く to write a letter of apology
深く謝罪する to apologize deeply

Common Phrases

謝罪の意を表す

to express one's apologies

謝罪会見を行う

to hold a press conference for an apology

謝罪の言葉

words of apology

Often Confused With

謝罪 vs 感謝

Kansha means gratitude/thanks, while Shazai means apology; they share the first kanji 'Sha' (to speak/decline).

謝罪 vs 謝る

Ayamaru is the general verb for 'to apologize,' whereas Shazai is the more formal noun version.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'Shazai' for serious or official situations. For minor daily mistakes, the verb 'Ayamaru' or the phrase 'Sumimasen' is much more common.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'Shazai' in casual settings where 'Gomen' or 'Ayamaru' would be more natural. Avoid confusing it with 'Kansha' (gratitude).

💡

Memory Tip

The kanji 謝 (to apologize) contains 'words' (言). Think of 'shooting' (射) out 'words' (言) to hit the target of forgiveness for your 'sin/crime' (罪).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the characters 謝 (to decline/apologize) and 罪 (sin/guilt/crime).

Grammar Patterns

Used as a noun: 謝罪がある (There is an apology) Used as a suru-verb: [Person] に [Matter] を 謝罪する
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japanese society, a formal apology (shazai) is a vital ritual for restoring harmony (wa) and taking public responsibility, even if the person isn't solely to blame.

Quick Quiz

社長は顧客に対して深く(  )した。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 謝罪

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