寛恕

• Reading: かんじょ
• Romaji: kanjo
• Kanji breakdown: 寛 (kan) — tolerant, generous; 恕 (jo) — forgiveness, pardon
• Pronunciation: /kan.dʑo/

Meaning

Forgiveness; magnanimity; leniency; pardon. The generous act of overlooking another's fault with a broad and tolerant heart.

A highly formal noun, more literary than 許し or 容赦. It carries a sense of moral elevation in the one who forgives, suggesting they possess a large, benevolent character. Often seen in written apologies or classical texts requesting forbearance: ご寛恕ください (please forgive me).

Examples

1. 師は弟子の過ちを寛恕し、再び機会を与えた。 The master forgave the apprentice's mistake and gave him another chance.
2. 彼女の寛恕の心は、多くの人に感銘を与えた。 Her forgiving spirit left a deep impression on many people.
3. 相手の非を責めず、寛恕をもって接するのは難しい。 It is difficult to refrain from blaming the other party and to respond with magnanimity.

Usage Guide

Context: literary writing, formal apology, classical texts

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

From 寛 (kan) meaning 'tolerant' or 'broad-minded' and 恕 (jo) meaning 'forgiveness' or 'mercy.' The character 恕 itself contains 如 (like) over 心 (heart), suggesting empathy as the root of pardon.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated