Translation guide
Expressing sincere remorse or regret for wrongdoing, often with a sense of moral or spiritual guilt. Japanese has several nuanced terms, from formal apologies to deep self-reproach.
To express heartfelt regret for a mistake or wrongdoing, often in personal or formal contexts.
Reflection on one's actions with regret; commonly used in everyday apologies and self-improvement contexts.
I am reflecting on my actions with regret.
Regret or remorse for past actions; often implies a wish that things had been done differently.
He deeply regrets his mistake.
Deep remorse or penitence; a more literary and intense term, often used in serious or moral contexts.
Tormented by guilt, he was driven by feelings of contrition.
To express contrition in a formal or public setting, such as a business apology or official statement.
A formal phrase meaning 'I am deeply reflecting on my actions with regret,' often used in public apologies.
Regarding this recent scandal, I am deeply remorseful.
A very polite apology meaning 'I sincerely apologize,' often implying deep regret.
To express contrition in a religious or deeply moral sense, often involving confession or atonement.
To describe the internal emotional state of contrition, often involving guilt or self-blame.
反省 (hansei) is the most common term for reflecting on one's actions with regret, often used in everyday apologies and self-improvement. 後悔 (koukai) is regret, focusing on wishing things had been different. 懺悔 (zange) is specifically religious confession and repentance, implying a deeper moral or spiritual contrition.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'contrition' in all contexts. Using 悔恨 (kaikon) may sound overly dramatic or literary in casual speech. Choose the term based on the specific nuance: everyday regret (反省), guilt (罪悪感), or religious repentance (懺悔).
I sincerely apologize for the trouble I have caused.
To repent and reform; a verb often used in religious or moral contexts to indicate turning away from wrongdoing.
He repented of his sins.
Overcome with self-reproach, she couldn't focus on anything.