Translation guide
Expressing a deep, heartfelt apology in Japanese involves choosing the right level of formality and intensity. This guide covers common phrases for sincere apologies, from everyday situations to formal written contexts.
To express a deep and genuine apology in everyday situations.
Literally 'I apologize from the heart.' A direct and sincere way to apologize, suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
I sincerely apologize for the trouble I caused.
A very formal and profound apology, often used in business or official settings. It conveys deep regret.
I deeply apologize for the mishandling this time.
Similar to 深くお詫び申し上げます, but with a nuance of 'from the heart.' Very formal and polite.
I sincerely apologize for causing you so much trouble.
An old-fashioned, very humble way to apologize, literally 'to apologize flatly.' It implies begging for forgiveness. Rarely used in modern conversation.
I humbly apologize, so please forgive me.
To express a very strong apology among friends or in informal situations.
To craft a formal written apology, such as in a business email or letter.
A set phrase used in formal written apologies. 謹んで means 'respectfully' or 'humbly.' It is very polite and suitable for serious matters.
I hereby offer my sincere apologies.
A formal expression meaning 'I express my apology.' Often used in official statements.
To stress how sorry you are, often by describing the act of bowing or using intensifiers.
To apologize profusely, often with repeated bowing. It paints a picture of earnest, humble apology.
He was apologizing profusely to his boss.
To apologize by kneeling and bowing deeply (dogeza). This is an extreme form of apology, used for very serious mistakes.
土下座 is a dramatic gesture and may be seen as excessive or insincere in many modern contexts. Use only when extreme remorse is culturally appropriate.
To apologize repeatedly. A simple way to convey profuse apology through repetition.
謝る (あやまる) is the general verb for 'apologize.' お詫びする (おわびする) is a more formal, humble version. Use お詫び申し上げます for the most polite situations.
I apologized for being late.
I apologized to the customer (humble).
English phrases like 'profuse apology' don't have a single direct equivalent. Instead, use intensifiers like 心から, 深く, or descriptive phrases like 平謝りする to convey the depth of apology.
Regarding this matter, I express my deepest apologies.
Taking responsibility for the scandal, the company president apologized on his knees.
She apologized over and over, but wasn't forgiven.