Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Apologize" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "apologize", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
謝罪する
しゃざいする (shazai suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
わびる
わびる (wabiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apologize" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 謝罪する and わびる.
In Japanese, 謝罪する (しゃざいする (shazai suru)) is typically associated with "to apologize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A formal way to say 'to apologize.' 「ごめんなさい.
On the other hand, わびる (わびる (wabiru)) maps to "to apologize, to ask for forgiveness" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A more formal or serious way to apologize than 謝る. A literal translation of "apologize" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "わびる"
彼の無礼を心からわびた。
I sincerely apologized for his rudeness.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は会議で自分の間違いについて謝罪した。" (Meaning: "He apologized for his mistake at the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "謝罪する" fits here because it means "to apologize" in the context of: "He apologized for his mistake at the meeting.". "わびる" represents "to apologize, to ask for forgiveness".