謝罪

• Reading: しゃざい
• Romaji: shazai
• Kanji breakdown: 謝 (sha) — apologise, thank; 罪 (zai) — crime, sin, guilt
• Pronunciation: /ɕa.zaː/

Meaning

Apology. A formal expression of regret or remorse for wrongdoing.

A noun and suru-verb representing a formal, serious apology. Much weightier than ごめん (gomen) or すみません (sumimasen) — 謝罪 is used for official apologies in business, politics, and public affairs. Common collocations include 謝罪する (to apologise), 謝罪会見 (apology press conference), 謝罪文 (written apology), and 深く謝罪する (to deeply apologise). Japanese culture places enormous importance on the manner and sincerity of public apologies.

Examples

1. 社長が記者会見で不祥事について謝罪した。 The company president apologized for the scandal at a press conference.
2. 彼は自分の失言を深く謝罪した。 He deeply apologized for his careless remarks.
3. 被害者への謝罪が遅れたことで批判が強まった。 The delayed apology to the victims intensified the criticism.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, media

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 謝 (sha, apologise/thank/decline) + 罪 (zai, crime/sin/guilt). Literally 'apologise for a sin/wrongdoing' — emphasises acknowledging guilt and expressing regret.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal