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.
国王は囚人に赦免状を与えた。
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.
恩赦状により彼は釈放された。
He was released by a letter of pardon.
A special pardon document, often for a specific individual. More specific than 赦免状.
大統領は特赦状に署名した。
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.
免罪符の販売は宗教改革の一因となった。
The sale of letters of pardon (indulgences) contributed to the Reformation.
A personal letter asking for or granting forgiveness between individuals.
A letter asking for forgiveness. This is a natural way to describe a personal letter seeking pardon.
彼は友人に許しを請う手紙を書いた。
He wrote a letter asking for forgiveness to his friend.
A letter of apology. While not exactly 'pardon', it serves a similar function in personal contexts.
彼女は心からの謝罪の手紙を送った。
She sent a heartfelt letter of apology.
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.