Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Apology" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "apology", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
謝罪
しゃざい (shazai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お詫び
おわび (owabi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apology" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 謝罪 and お詫び.
In Japanese, 謝罪 (しゃざい (shazai)) is typically associated with "apology; expressing regret" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「謝罪」は、過ちを認め、申し訳ない気持ちを表す名詞です。個人的な「ごめんなさい」よりもフォーマルで、公式な場面や重大な件について使われることが多いです。動詞は「謝罪する」です。.
On the other hand, お詫び (おわび (owabi)) maps to "apology (noun)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「謝罪（しゃざい）」よりも日常的で、丁寧な謝る行為や言葉。動詞「お詫びする」としても使われます。A more polite and everyday term for apology than 「謝罪」. Also used as a verb with する. A literal translation of "apology" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "謝罪"
彼は自分の過ちを認め、心から謝罪した。
He admitted his mistake and sincerely apologized.
Bilingual Context for "お詫び"
遅れてしまい、心からお詫び申し上げます。
I sincerely apologize for being late.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は自分の過ちを認め、心から ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He admitted his mistake and sincerely apologized.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "謝罪" fits here because it means "apology; expressing regret" in the context of: "He admitted his mistake and sincerely apologized.". "お詫び" represents "apology (noun)".