あしからず

あ

し

か

ら

ず

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

adverb

don't get me wrong, but ...; I'm sorry

usually written using kana alone

A set phrase used to soften a refusal, apology, or negative statement. It conveys 'please don't take this the wrong way' or 'I hope you won't be offended'. Often used in formal or polite contexts.

悪あしからずご了りょう承しょうください。
I hope you will understand and not take it amiss.
今こん回かいは参さん加かできませんが、悪あしからず。
I can't attend this time; please don't be offended.

Usage patterns

悪あしからずご了りょう承しょうくださいplease understand, and don't take this the wrong way
今こん回かいは席せきをご用よう意いできませんでした。悪あしからずご了りょう承しょうください。
We were unable to prepare a seat this time; please understand and don't be offended.
悪あしからずご容よう赦しゃくださいplease forgive us, and don't take this the wrong way
商しょう品ひんの発はっ送そうが遅おくれております。悪あしからずご容よう赦しゃください。
Shipment of the product has been delayed; please forgive us and don't take offense.

Kanji

悪bad, vice, rascal
不negative, non-, bad

Related words

申もうし訳わけありません
申し訳ありません is a strong, direct apology that admits fault, while 悪しからず simply asks the listener not to be offended by unwelcome news.
すみませんN4
すみません is a casual, general-purpose apology or thanks, whereas 悪しからず is a formal set phrase used specifically to soften bad news or a refusal.
容よう赦しゃN1
容赦 is a noun meaning leniency or forgiveness often used in requests like ご容赦ください, while 悪しからず is a fixed adverbial phrase asking the listener not to take offense.

Written forms

悪あしからず
Standard kanji form; it is the primary form.
不悪あしからず
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.

Etymology

From the classical adjective 悪し, “bad,” in its irrealis form 悪しから, plus negative ず: literally “not bad.” It became a formula asking the hearer not to take something amiss.