Translation and Meaning of: 詫び - wabi

The Japanese word 「詫び」(wabi) is a central cultural and aesthetic concept in Japan, deeply tied to the philosophy of the simple and the imperfect. Its origin dates back to Japan's medieval and feudal periods. Initially, "wabi" had a negative connotation, referring to loneliness, misery, and sadness. However, over the centuries, especially with the influence of Zen Buddhism, the term evolved to symbolize the beauty of the modest and the austere.

Etymologically, 「詫び」is composed of a single kanji 「詫」(wabi), which means apologies or regret, but has gained more cultural depth over time. This kanji is part of a semantic evolution, where "wabi" transcended its literal meaning to become an expression that values the beauty found in imperfection and transience, incorporating aesthetic aspects of Zen Buddhism. This concept embodies an acceptance of the imperfections of life and nature.

"Apology" together with "sabi" (寂び), forms the well-known expression wabi-sabi (侘寂), which encapsulates an intuitive worldview focused on the beauty of the 'imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.' This concept influences a variety of cultural and artistic areas in Japan, such as the tea ceremony (茶道, sadō), gardening, pottery, and even poetry. The idea behind wabi-sabi is that beautiful experiences are often fleeting and that beauty lies in the continuous process of change.

In modern design, elements of wabi are appreciated by those who value simplicity and authenticity. For example, preferring a ceramic bowl with a crack revealing its history over a perfect object. This philosophy of embracing imperfection has gained worldwide popularity, especially among those seeking more meaning and authenticity in a world often dominated by excessive consumption and the pursuit of perfection.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 謝罪 (shazai) - Sorry, apology request.
• お詫び (owabi) - Apology request, usually in formal situations.
• 謝辞 (shaji) - Thanksgiving speeches, usually at ceremonies.
• 謝礼 ( sharei) - Compensation or recognition for a favor or service.
• 謝罪の言葉 (shazai no kotoba) - Words of apology.
• 謝罪の意 (shazai no i) - Intention to apologize.
• 謝罪の気持ち (shazai no kimochi) - Feeling of regret or guilt.
• 謝罪の心 (shazai no kokoro) - Heart in regret or sincerity in apologies.
• 謝罪の姿勢 (shazai no shisei) - Attitude when apologizing.
• 謝罪の態度 (shazai no taido) - Posture or behavior when apologizing.
• 謝罪の仕方 (shazai no shikata) - Way or method to apologize.
• 謝罪の方法 (shazai no houhou) - Ways or procedures to make apologies.
• 謝罪の手紙 (shazai no tegami) - Apology letter.
• 謝罪の文 (shazai no bun) - Text or phrase of apology.
• 謝罪の言葉を述べる (shazai no kotoba o noberu) - Expressing words of apology.
• 謝罪の言葉を伝える (shazai no kotoba o tsutaeru) - Express words of apology.
• 謝罪の言葉を述べること (shazai no kotoba o noberu koto) - The act of expressing words of apology.
• 謝罪の言葉を伝えること (shazai no kotoba o tsutaeru koto) - The act of conveying words of apology.

詫び

Romaji: wabi
Kana: わび
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: I'm sorry.

Meaning in English: apology

Definition: Admit your mistake and apologize.

Example Sentences - (詫び) wabi

See below some example sentences:

痛切にお詫び申し上げます。

Tsūsetsu ni owabi mōshiagemasu

I apologize for the pain.

• 痛切に - intensely, deeply
• お詫び - excuses
• 申し上げます - express, declare

私は彼女に詫びる必要があります。

Watashi wa kanojo ni wazabiru hitsuyō ga arimasu

I need to apologize to her.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 - Japanese noun meaning "girlfriend"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case "to her"
• 詫びる - Japanese verb meaning "to apologize"
• 必要 - Japanese noun meaning "need"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• あります - Japanese verb meaning "to have", in the sense of "need to have"