Translation guide
Expressing regret or guilt for something one has done, often with a desire to make amends.
I am remorseful.
Most common and natural way to express remorse.
I'm remorseful that I didn't study harder back then.
Similar to 後悔している but often carries a stronger emotional tone of lamenting or grieving over a mistake.
He deeply regrets what he said.
Expresses feeling sorry and remorseful, often with a nuance of owing an apology. More formal.
I am truly remorseful for causing you trouble.
Focuses on self-reflection and acknowledging one's fault, often used when someone has done something wrong and is trying to improve.
He is remorseful about his mistake.
Literally 'my heart aches,' a more poetic or emotional way to express remorse or guilt.
I feel remorseful for hurting her; my heart aches.
The speaker wants to express remorse as part of an apology, often in formal or serious situations.
A very formal apology expressing deep remorse. Used in official statements or serious personal apologies.
I am deeply remorseful and apologize for this misconduct.
Literally 'I have no words of reflection,' meaning the speaker is so remorseful that words fail them. Very formal and humble.
The speaker describes a third person who appears or is known to be remorseful.
To show signs of remorse. Often used when someone's expression or behavior indicates regret.
He finally showed signs of being remorseful.
One can see a remorseful attitude. Often used in formal contexts like court or official reports.
後悔 (regret) focuses on the emotional pain of wishing you hadn't done something. 反省 (self-reflection) implies acknowledging fault and intending to improve. In many contexts, 反省 is closer to 'remorse' because it involves moral self-evaluation.
I regret it, but I'm not remorseful (I haven't reflected on my actions).
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'remorseful.' Using 悔恨 (かいこん) or 悔悟 (かいご) is possible but very literary and rare. Stick to the verb phrases above for natural expression.
I am so remorseful for not meeting your expectations that I have no words.
The defendant appears remorseful.