Japanese for Granting Forgiveness: Formal Phrases to Rebuild Trust
Learn intermediate Japanese phrases to grant forgiveness formally, such as 許します and 水に流しましょう, and distinguish them from simply accepting an apology.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Granting forgiveness in Japanese is not the same as accepting an apology. While 謝罪を受け入れます (shazai o ukeiremasu) means you acknowledge someone's apology, phrases like 許します (yurushimasu) or 水に流しましょう (mizu ni nagashimashō) actively grant forgiveness and signal a desire to move forward. This lesson teaches you how to use these expressions appropriately, rebuild trust, and navigate the social nuances of forgiveness in Japanese. You will learn the difference between formal and casual registers, and practice using them in conversation.
By the end, you can…
- grant forgiveness formally using 許します and related expressions.
- suggest moving past an issue with 水に流しましょう.
- distinguish between accepting an apology and granting forgiveness.
- rebuild trust by expressing a desire to move forward.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
許します。
I forgive you.
Yurushimasu.
Formal and direct. Used when you are ready to forgive someone, often after a sincere apology. It implies a decision to let go of resentment. Note that 許します is a statement about your own decision; it does not by itself guarantee the relationship is restored.
水に流しましょう。
Let's let bygones be bygones.
Mizu ni nagashimashō.
Idiomatic expression meaning to wash away past grievances. Used to suggest moving past an issue without dwelling on it. It is a set phrase and is not necessarily less formal than 許します; politeness depends on the ending (しましょう is polite, 流そう is casual).
今回は許しますが、次はありません。
I forgive you this time, but there won't be a next time.
Konkai wa yurushimasu ga, tsugi wa arimasen.
Grants forgiveness with a clear warning. Used when you want to forgive but also set boundaries. The tone is serious and relatively formal; in casual speech, 次はないからね would be more natural.
信頼を取り戻しましょう。
Let's rebuild trust.
Shinrai o torimodoshimashō.
Focuses on the future relationship. Used after granting forgiveness to suggest working together to restore trust. Appropriate in personal and professional contexts, though in business settings 信頼関係を再構築しましょう may sound more formal.
謝罪は受け入れますが、許しはしません。
I accept your apology, but I do not forgive you.
Shazai wa ukeiremasu ga, yurushi wa shimasen.
Clearly distinguishes between accepting an apology and granting forgiveness. Used when you acknowledge the apology but are not ready to forgive. Formal and potentially harsh; in many contexts, softening with 今は still sounds blunt.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To grant forgiveness formally, use the verb 許す (yurusu) in its polite form 許します (yurushimasu). You can soften it with 今回は (konkai wa, 'this time') or add a condition with が、次はありません (ga, tsugi wa arimasen, 'but there won't be a next time'). For a more collaborative tone, use 水に流しましょう (mizu ni nagashimashō, 'let's let bygones be bygones') or 信頼を取り戻しましょう (shinrai o torimodoshimashō, 'let's rebuild trust'). These patterns allow you to express forgiveness while setting boundaries or focusing on the future. Note that 許します is a transitive verb: the person forgiven is normally marked with を (e.g., あなたを許します), though it is often omitted when clear from context.
When to use it
Use 許します when you are ready to forgive someone and want to state it clearly. It is appropriate in formal situations, such as with colleagues or superiors, after a sincere apology. Use 水に流しましょう when you want to move past an issue without assigning blame; it is a set idiom and can be used in both polite and casual contexts depending on the ending. Use 信頼を取り戻しましょう when you want to emphasize rebuilding the relationship. Avoid using these phrases lightly; they carry weight and should be used only when you genuinely intend to forgive or move forward.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
先日は本当に申し訳ありませんでした。どうか許してください。
I am truly sorry about the other day. Please forgive me.Senjitsu wa hontō ni mōshiwake arimasen deshita. Dōka yurushite kudasai.わかりました。今回は許します。でも、次はありませんよ。
I understand. I forgive you this time. But there won't be a next time.Wakarimashita. Konkai wa yurushimasu. Demo, tsugi wa arimasen yo.ありがとうございます。信頼を取り戻せるよう努力します。
Thank you. I will do my best to regain your trust.Arigatō gozaimasu. Shinrai o torimodoseru yō doryoku shimasu.では、水に流しましょう。これからもよろしくお願いします。
Then let's let bygones be bygones. I look forward to your continued support.De wa, mizu ni nagashimashō. Korekara mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese culture, granting forgiveness often involves indirectness and saving face. While 許します is direct, it may be softened with qualifiers like 今回は (this time). The phrase 水に流しましょう is commonly used to suggest moving on without explicit blame, preserving harmony. Accepting an apology (謝罪を受け入れる) is not the same as forgiving; the latter implies a deeper emotional release. Use these phrases with awareness of the relationship and context. Note that these are tendencies rather than rules, and individual and situational variation is significant.
One thing to watch for
Using 許します casually with friends or in informal situations.
Try this instead: 許します is formal and carries weight. With friends, use 許してあげる (yurushite ageru) or いいよ (ii yo) instead. For example, 今回は許してあげる (konkai wa yurushite ageru) is more appropriate among close friends. Be aware that 許してあげる can sound condescending depending on the relationship.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you formally grant forgiveness but warn that it won't happen again?
Show a sample answer
今回は許しますが、次はありません。
This uses 今回は (this time) and が、次はありません (but there won't be a next time) to grant forgiveness with a boundary. Alternatives like 今回だけ許します (konkai dake yurushimasu) also work.
2What phrase suggests moving past an issue without dwelling on it?
Show a sample answer
水に流しましょう。
This idiom means 'let's let bygones be bygones.' It is polite and focuses on the future. In casual settings, 水に流そう (mizu ni nagasō) is acceptable.
3How do you say 'I accept your apology, but I do not forgive you'?
Show a sample answer
謝罪は受け入れますが、許しはしません。
This clearly distinguishes between accepting an apology and granting forgiveness. The contrast is made with が (but) and the negative しません (do not).
Granting forgiveness in Japanese requires choosing between formal phrases like 許します and softer suggestions like 水に流しましょう. Always consider the relationship and context to maintain harmony.
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