謝る
ayamaru[a̠ja̠ma̠ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase 'apologize' is translated into Japanese as 謝る (ayamaru).
謝る is a general verb used to express regret. It covers a wide range of situations, from minor social slips to more serious errors, depending on the context and the politeness markers used alongside it.
Meaning: to express regret (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 謝る changes based on the tense and politeness required. The plain past tense ('apologized') is 謝った. The polite negative form ('do not apologize') is 謝りません. If you want to politely ask someone to apologize, use 謝ってください.
How do you pronounce it?
ayamaru
When do people say it?
The specific phrase you choose to express an apology depends on the level of rudeness or the specific mistake made. For example, you can say Osoku natte gomen nasai to apologize for being late or Chikoku shite moushiwake arimasen to apologize for a delay. If you have made a mistake, you can say Machigai wo shite, gomennasai.
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers often use sumimasen to both apologize and say 'thank you', as both expressions acknowledge the other person's trouble.
- While 謝る is the verb for the act of apologizing, a physical bow accompanies the phrase. The deeper the bow, the more sincere the apology is perceived to be.
- Japanese culture often uses apologies to smooth social friction even when no one is specifically 'at fault' in the Western sense.
Examples in context
- 謝るしかない。There is nothing to do but apologize.This sentence uses 謝る to show there is no other option but to apologize.Tatoeba #149154 by bunbuku, translation #265403 by CK
- 謝ることないよ。You don't need to apologize.This sentence uses 謝る to say that an apology is unnecessary.Tatoeba #10802012 by small_snow, translation #6562168 by Hybrid
- 謝る必要はないよ。Don't apologize.This sentence uses 謝る to indicate there is no need to apologize.Tatoeba #149155 by bunbuku, translation #265404 by CK
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren accidentally broke Hiyori's pen.
- 蓮 Renごめん。すぐに謝るよ。Gomen. Sugu ni ayamaru yo.Sorry. I will apologize right away.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、気にしないで。Ii yo, ki ni shinaide.It's okay, don't worry about it.
- 蓮 Renでも、ちゃんと謝りたいんだ。Demo, chanto ayaritai nda.But I want to apologize properly.
- 陽葵 Himariもういいよ、蓮くん。Mō ii yo, Ren-kun.It's already fine, Ren.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 謝る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
