Meaning
A polite term for an apology or expression of regret.
Cultural Background
An apology is often accompanied by a gift called 'Owabi no shirushi.' This is usually a box of high-quality sweets (kashiori). Train companies will issue an 'Owabi' for even a 1-minute delay, reflecting the extreme value placed on punctuality. Celebrities who get into scandals often hold 'Owabi' press conferences where they bow for several seconds in silence. On X (Twitter), companies use the hashtag #お詫び to quickly find and address customer complaints or system issues.
The 45-Degree Rule
When saying '{お詫び|おわび}申し上げます' in person, a 45-degree bow is the standard for showing deep sincerity.
Don't Overuse
If you use 'owabi' for every tiny mistake, it loses its power and makes you seem insecure or strange.
Meaning
A polite term for an apology or expression of regret.
The 45-Degree Rule
When saying '{お詫び|おわび}申し上げます' in person, a 45-degree bow is the standard for showing deep sincerity.
Don't Overuse
If you use 'owabi' for every tiny mistake, it loses its power and makes you seem insecure or strange.
Written vs Spoken
'Owabi' is much more common in writing (emails, signs) than in casual spoken conversation.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase for a business email apologizing for a late reply.
{返信|へんしん}が{遅|おそ}くなり、＿＿＿＿＿。
'{お詫び|おわび}申し上げます' is the standard formal way to apologize in business.
Fill in the particle to complete the phrase 'An apology for the mistake'.
{間違|まちが}い（ ）お{詫|わ}び。
The particle 'no' is used to connect the reason to the noun 'owabi'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A CEO apologizing for a product defect on TV.
Public corporate apologies require the highest level of formality.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Apology Levels in Japanese
Practice Bank
3 exercises{返信|へんしん}が{遅|おそ}くなり、＿＿＿＿＿。
'{お詫び|おわび}申し上げます' is the standard formal way to apologize in business.
{間違|まちが}い（ ）お{詫|わ}び。
The particle 'no' is used to connect the reason to the noun 'owabi'.
Situation: A CEO apologizing for a product defect on TV.
Public corporate apologies require the highest level of formality.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, use 'sumimasen' for that. 'Owabi' is only for apologies, not for getting someone's attention.
It is a noun, but you can make it a verb by adding 'suru' ({お詫び|おわび}する).
The 'o' is an honorific prefix that makes the word more polite and respectful.
It is a formal letter of apology, often required in Japanese schools or companies after a serious mistake.
It's usually too formal. 'Gomen' or 'Sumimasen' is better unless you did something truly terrible.
Related Phrases
{謝罪|しゃざい}
synonymOfficial apology
{申し訳ない|もうしわけない}
similarI have no excuse
{すみません|すみません}
similarExcuse me / Sorry
{ごめん|ごめん}
contrastSorry (casual)
{反省|はんせい}
builds onReflection / Self-examination
