Japanese symbol for “apologize”
謝る
あやまる
Romaji: ayamaru
to apologize (apologise)
In Japanese, apologize is 謝る, read あやまる (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
- v5r, vi, vt to apologize (apologise)
- v5r, vi, vt to refuse; to decline
- v5r, vi to be unable to bear; to be defeated (by); to be at a loss; to be stumped (by)
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “apologize”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 詫びる | わびる wabiru | to apologize; to apologise; to make an apology |
| 詫ぶ | わぶ wabu | to apologize; to apologise |
| 謝す | しゃす shasu | to apologize; to apologise |
| 謝する | しゃする shasuru | to apologize; to apologise |
| 頭を下げる | あたまをさげる atamaosageru | to apologize; to apologise |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 感謝 | かんしゃ kansha | thanks; gratitude; appreciation |
| 謝罪 | しゃざい shazai | apology |
| 代謝 | たいしゃ taisha | metabolism |
| 慰謝 | いしゃ isha | consolation |
| 謝礼 | しゃれい sharei | reward; 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.