How to say "repent" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 悔い改めるくいあらためるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'repent' in its strong sense: remorse for wrongdoing and a resolve to change — moral or religious penitence. This is the word for that sense, though it is less common.
- 残念に思うざんねんにおもうexpression, godan verbThis is really the language of regret: to be sorry or rue an outcome, not penitence for wrongdoing. For genuine repentance it is seldom the word you want.
- 悔やむくやむgodan verb, transitive verbThe common word for regret and remorse: feeling sorry about a mistake or something one has done. For the penitential sense of 'repent,' 悔い改める is the better choice.
Use 「悔い改める」 for moral or religious repentance—remorse for wrongdoing and a resolve to change; 「悔やむ」 is the common word for regret or remorse, while 「残念に思う」 expresses rueful regret over an outcome.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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