Translation guide
Expressing sincere remorse or guilt for wrongdoing. In Japanese, this is conveyed through specific apology phrases, humble language, and descriptions of inner feeling.
The speaker wants to express a heartfelt apology, acknowledging their fault and feeling sorry.
A formal and sincere apology. It conveys deep regret and is appropriate in business or serious situations.
ご迷惑をおかけして、申し訳ありません。
I am truly sorry for causing you trouble.
A versatile apology, less formal than 申し訳ありません. Can be used in daily life, but may not convey deep contrition in serious contexts.
遅れてすみません。
I'm sorry for being late.
A common apology, slightly more personal than すみません. Suitable for friends, family, or mild mistakes.
約束を忘れてごめんなさい。
I'm sorry I forgot our promise.
The speaker wants to describe their own or someone else's feeling of guilt and regret.
Literally 'I am reflecting on my actions.' It implies acknowledging a mistake and feeling remorse. Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.
彼は自分の行動を反省している。
He is contrite about his actions.
To regret or mourn something one has done. Often used for personal regrets or missed opportunities.
彼女は自分の過ちを悔やんでいる。
She is contrite about her mistake.
To apologize from the heart. A more explicit way to express contrition, often used in formal apologies.
彼は心から謝罪した。
He apologized contritely.
The speaker wants to express contrition by using humble language or describing deferential actions.
Using humble forms when referring to one's own actions shows respect and remorse. For example, 申し上げる (もうしあげる) instead of 言う.
お詫び申し上げます。
I humbly apologize.
Literally 'to lower one's head,' meaning to bow in apology. It implies a contrite attitude.
彼は深く頭を下げて謝った。
He bowed deeply and apologized contritely.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'contrite.' Instead, use apology phrases or describe the feeling of remorse. Using a word like 悔恨 (かいこん, remorse) is very literary and rare in speech.
すみません is everyday, ごめんなさい is personal, 申し訳ありません is formal and deeply remorseful. Choose based on the relationship and severity of the mistake.