What is the difference between "詫びる" and "わびる"?

"詫びる" means "to apologize" (N3), whereas "わびる" represents "to apologize, to ask for forgiveness" (N2).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "わびる (wabiru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

わびる (wabiru)

N3 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

わびる (wabiru)

N2 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "わびる (wabiru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

詫びる (Level: N3): Translates to "to apologize" and is used when A more formal or humble way to apologize compared to 謝る.
わびる (Level: N2): Maps to "to apologize, to ask for forgiveness" and carries the nuance of A more formal or serious way to apologize than 謝る.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "詫びる"

彼は間違いを詫びた。

He apologized for his mistake.

Bilingual Context for "わびる"

彼の無礼を心からわびた。

I sincerely apologized for his rudeness.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は間違いを詫びた。" (Meaning: "He apologized for his mistake.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "詫びる" is used for "to apologize" in the context: "He apologized for his mistake.".