Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Apologize" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "apologize", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
謝る
謝る (ayamaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
謝罪する
しゃざいする (shazai suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apologize" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 謝る and 謝罪する.
In Japanese, 謝る (謝る (ayamaru)) is typically associated with "to apologize" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A verb meaning to apologize. Used when one admits fault and expresses regret for an action, either verbally or through actions. The noun form is '謝罪.
On the other hand, 謝罪する (しゃざいする (shazai suru)) maps to "to apologize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A formal way to say 'to apologize.' 「ごめんなさい. A literal translation of "apologize" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "謝る"
遅れてすみません、謝ります。
I'm sorry I'm late, I apologize.
Bilingual Context for "謝罪する"
彼は会議で自分の間違いについて謝罪した。
He apologized for his mistake at the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "遅れてすみません、謝ります。" (Meaning: "I'm sorry I'm late, I apologize.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "謝る" fits here because it means "to apologize" in the context of: "I'm sorry I'm late, I apologize.". "謝罪する" represents "to apologize".