King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “apologize”

Romaji: ayamaru
to apologize (apologise)

In Japanese, apologize is , read (ayamaru).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

  1. v5r, vi, vt to apologize (apologise)
  2. v5r, vi, vt to refuse; to decline
  3. v5r, vi to be unable to bear; to be defeated (by); to be at a loss; to be stumped (by)

Kanji and stroke order

apologize, thank, refuse
on: シャ
kun: あやま.る
17 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “apologize”

WordReadingMeaning
わびる wabiruto apologize; to apologise; to make an apology
わぶ wabuto apologize; to apologise
しゃす shasuto apologize; to apologise
しゃする shasuruto apologize; to apologise
あたまをさげる atamaosageruto apologize; to apologise

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
かんしゃ kanshathanks; gratitude; appreciation
しゃざい shazaiapology
たいしゃ taishametabolism
いしゃ ishaconsolation
しゃれい shareireward; honorarium; remuneration

See also: Chinese symbol for “apologize”.

Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.

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