謝辞
しゃ
じ
Meanings
1
words of thanks; acknowledgements
Formal expression of gratitude, often used in speeches, prefaces, or written acknowledgements. Not casual 'thank you'.
At the graduation ceremony, he gave words of thanks to his advisor.
I include acknowledgements at the end of the thesis.
2
Rare formal use for an apology; more commonly expressed with 謝罪 or お詫び. May appear in older or very formal written contexts.
In old documents, 謝辞 is sometimes used to mean an apology.