Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing remorse involves acknowledging wrongdoing and showing sincere regret. The most common expressions are 反省 (reflection on one's actions) and 後悔 (regret for past actions). Direct apologies like ごめんなさい or すみません are often used to convey remorse in everyday situations.
彼は反省の色を見せなかった。
He showed no remorse.
Expressing a personal sense of guilt and sorrow for something one has done wrong.
Refers to self-reflection on one's mistakes, often with a sense of remorse and a desire to improve. Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.
自分の行動を反省しています。
I am reflecting on my actions with remorse.
彼は反省の色を見せなかった。
He showed no sign of remorse.
Means regret for past actions, often with a strong emotional component. It can imply remorse but focuses more on wishing one had done things differently.
あの時あんなことを言って後悔している。
I regret saying that back then.
後悔の念に堪えない。
I am filled with remorse.
A formal expression meaning 'I am filled with a feeling of being sorry/unforgivable.' It conveys deep remorse and is suitable for serious apologies.
ご迷惑をおかけして、申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいです。
I am filled with remorse for causing you trouble.
A literary term for deep remorse or penitence. Used in formal writing or serious contexts.
彼は悔恨の涙を流した。
He shed tears of remorse.
Using apology expressions that inherently convey remorse in Japanese culture.
The standard apology for everyday mistakes. It implies remorse and a request for forgiveness. Can be intensified with adverbs like 本当に (ほんとうに, truly).
遅れてごめんなさい。
I'm sorry for being late (with remorse).
本当にごめんなさい。
I'm truly sorry (with deep remorse).
A versatile apology that can express remorse, though it is also used for minor inconveniences. More formal than ごめんなさい. The past tense すみませんでした emphasizes remorse for a completed action.
A formal apology expressing deep remorse, often used in business or serious situations. The more casual 申し訳ない can be used among close acquaintances.
この度はご迷惑をおかけし、申し訳ありませんでした。
I deeply apologize for the trouble I caused this time (with remorse).
Means 'to apologize' formally, often implying an admission of guilt and remorse. Used in official statements or news.
彼は心からの謝罪を表明した。
He expressed his sincere remorse/apology.
Describing behavior that demonstrates remorse, such as looking sorry or acting repentant.
Describes someone's demeanor as showing remorse or self-reflection. Often used when someone appears genuinely sorry.
彼は反省している様子だった。
He seemed to be showing remorse.
A set phrase meaning 'with a meek/remorseful expression.' Used when someone looks genuinely sorry and subdued.
彼は神妙な面持ちで謝った。
He apologized with a remorseful look.
反省 (はんせい) focuses on self-reflection and learning from mistakes, often with a forward-looking attitude. 後悔 (こうかい) is about regretting past actions and can be more emotional. In many contexts where English uses 'remorse,' 反省 is more natural because it implies acknowledgment and a desire to improve, which aligns with Japanese cultural values.
The direct dictionary translation 悔恨 (かいこん) is rarely used in everyday conversation. It sounds literary and overly dramatic. Stick to 反省 or apology expressions unless you are writing a novel or formal speech.
ご迷惑をおかけしてすみませんでした。
I am sorry for causing you trouble (with remorse).
Means 'to repent' or 'to show remorse and change one's ways.' Often used in religious or moral contexts.
彼は自分の罪を悔い改めた。
He repented of his sins (showed remorse).