Translation guide
The concept of forgiveness in Japanese is expressed through several words and phrases that differ in nuance, formality, and usage. The most common everyday term is 許す (yurusu), which covers forgiving, permitting, and allowing. More formal or profound forgiveness uses 許し (yurushi) or 容赦 (yousha), while religious or deep moral forgiveness may use 赦し (yurushi). There are also set phrases for asking forgiveness.
To forgive someone for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing in daily life.
The most common verb for 'to forgive'. Can also mean 'to allow' or 'to permit'. Used in casual and formal contexts.
彼の失敗を許した。
I forgave his mistake.
もう許してあげたら？
Why don't you forgive him already?
Noun form of 許す. Often used in phrases like 許しを請う (to ask for forgiveness).
彼は許しを求めた。
He asked for forgiveness.
Polite request: 'Please forgive me.' Common in apologies.
遅れてすみません、許してください。
Sorry I'm late, please forgive me.
To express forgiveness in a more serious, formal, or deep emotional context, such as forgiving a major betrayal.
Formal term for forgiveness, mercy, or pardon. Often used in negative form 容赦しない (unforgiving, merciless).
彼は容赦なく批判した。
He criticized without mercy.
どうかご容赦ください。
Please forgive me (formal).
Used for forgiveness in a religious or deeply moral sense, often with the kanji 赦. Less common in daily speech.
Common expressions used when apologizing and seeking forgiveness.
Standard apology meaning 'I'm sorry'. Implicitly asks for forgiveness in many situations.
ごめんなさい、許してください。
I'm sorry, please forgive me.
Very formal apology. Literally 'I have no excuse'. Used in business or serious situations.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I deeply apologize for the trouble I caused.
Literary phrase meaning 'to beg forgiveness'. Used in dramatic or formal writing.
彼はひざまずいて許しを請うた。
He knelt and begged for forgiveness.
Referring to the abstract idea of forgiveness.
The noun 'forgiveness'. Can be used in philosophical or everyday contexts.
許しは難しいことだ。
Forgiveness is a difficult thing.
Means 'tolerance' or 'leniency', often overlapping with forgiveness in the sense of being magnanimous.
許す (yurusu) is the general verb for forgive/permit. 容赦 (yousha) is more formal and often used in negative contexts (merciless). 赦す (yurusu, same reading but different kanji) is specifically for religious or profound moral forgiveness, though in practice 許す is often used for all meanings.
English speakers often want to say 'I forgive you' directly, but in Japanese, apologies are more common than explicit declarations of forgiveness. Saying 許す can sound dramatic or condescending. Often, accepting an apology with いいよ (it's okay) or 気にしないで (don't worry about it) is more natural.
神の赦しを祈る。
Pray for God's forgiveness.
彼の寛容な態度に感謝する。
I appreciate his forgiving (tolerant) attitude.