Translation guide
A formal document granting forgiveness or release from punishment. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific legal or historical terms, and the phrasing depends on the context—whether it's a modern legal pardon, a historical amnesty, or a personal letter of forgiveness.
A formal document issued by a government or authority granting pardon for a crime.
Standard term for a written pardon or certificate of amnesty issued by a government or monarch. Used in legal and historical contexts.
The king granted a letter of pardon to the prisoner.
A pardon granted by special act of grace, often by a monarch or head of state. Carries a nuance of mercy or clemency.
He was released by a letter of pardon.
A special pardon document, often for a specific individual. More specific than 赦免状.
The president signed the letter of pardon.
A document granting remission of sins, especially in a historical Christian context (indulgence).
Historically refers to an indulgence—a document sold by the Catholic Church that was believed to reduce punishment for sins. Often used in discussions of the Reformation.
The sale of letters of pardon (indulgences) contributed to the Reformation.
A personal letter asking for or granting forgiveness between individuals.
Directly translating 'letter of pardon' as 許しの手紙 (yurushi no tegami) is not idiomatic for official contexts. Use the specific terms above depending on the situation.
She sent a heartfelt letter of apology.