宽恕

• Pinyin: kuān shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 宽 = tolerant; 恕 = 如 (like) + 心 (heart) — forgive

Meaning

To forgive; to pardon. A more formal and profound word for forgiveness.

Stronger and more deliberate than simple forgiveness. Often used in serious contexts involving significant wrongs. Implies a conscious choice to let go of resentment. Common in religious, legal, and moral discussions.

Examples

1. 请宽恕我的无知和冒犯。 Please forgive my ignorance and offense.
2. 受害者家属表示无法宽恕凶手。 The victim's family stated they could not forgive the murderer.
3. 宽恕需要极大的勇气和胸怀。 Forgiveness requires tremendous courage and magnanimity.

Usage Guide

Context: apology, morality, religion

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 请您宽恕。(Please forgive me.)
• 宽恕他人也是放过自己。(Forgiving others is also releasing yourself.)

Don't Say

• 用宽恕形容小事，如'请宽恕我迟到'。(For minor things, use 原谅 — 宽恕 is for significant wrongs)

Origin & History

Compound of 宽 (wide/tolerant) + 恕 (forgive). 恕 contains 如 (like) + 心 (heart), meaning 'to feel as if in another's heart.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal