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
詫びる
わびる (wabiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apologize" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 謝罪する and 詫びる.
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, 詫びる (わびる (wabiru)) maps to "to apologize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A more formal or humble way to apologize compared to 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 "詫びる"
彼は間違いを詫びた。
He apologized for his mistake.
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.". "詫びる" represents "to apologize".