synonym Comparative
申し訳ありません
VS
許す
Differences Between "申し訳ありません" and "許す"
Option A
申し訳ありません
Meaning
I am sorry; excuse me; I apologize
Reading
もうしわけありません (moushiwake arimasen)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
ご迷惑をおかけして、誠に申し訳ありません。
I am truly sorry for causing you inconvenience.
Option B
許す
Meaning
to forgive; to pardon; to excuse; to tolerate; to permit
Reading
ゆるす (yurusu)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼は友人が約束の時間に大幅に遅れてきた理由を知り、怒るのをやめて快く友人を_______。
Learning the reason why his friend was significantly late for the appointment time, he stopped getting angry and willingly forgave his friend.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(I am sorry; excuse me; I apologize)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 申し訳ありません: A very polite and formal way to apologize, implying deep regret or that there is no excuse. More formal than 「ごめんなさい」 or 「すみません」. Often used in business settings, to superiors, or when expressing significant regret for an inconvenience or mistake.
- 許す: Refers to forgiving a mistake, permitting an action, or tolerating behavior. Often used as 過ちを許す or 立ち入りを許す. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To forgive! "Please forgive my jealousy, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To ask for forgiveness! B-Baka! Your jealousy just proves how much you love me, so I-I won't only forgive you, I'll hug you tight as a reward! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ゆるす（許す）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のヤキモチを許してください！』って…っ！許すも何も、あんたがヤキモチを焼くのは私を愛してる証拠でしょ！バカ！許すどころか、愛おしすぎてギューッと抱きしめてあげるわよ！』
- 申し訳ありません: A very polite and formal way to apologize, implying deep regret or that there is no excuse. More formal than 「ごめんなさい」 or 「すみません」. Often used in business settings, to superiors, or when expressing significant regret for an inconvenience or mistake.
- 許す: Refers to forgiving a mistake, permitting an action, or tolerating behavior. Often used as 過ちを許す or 立ち入りを許す. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To forgive! "Please forgive my jealousy, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To ask for forgiveness! B-Baka! Your jealousy just proves how much you love me, so I-I won't only forgive you, I'll hug you tight as a reward! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ゆるす（許す）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のヤキモチを許してください！』って…っ！許すも何も、あんたがヤキモチを焼くのは私を愛してる証拠でしょ！バカ！許すどころか、愛おしすぎてギューッと抱きしめてあげるわよ！』
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