Translation guide
The concept of making amends for a wrong or sin, often with religious or moral weight. In Japanese, this can be expressed through words for compensation, apology, or religious redemption.
Expressing the act of compensating for a mistake or sin, often in a moral or personal context.
The most common and direct term for atonement, implying compensation or reparation for a wrong. Used in both personal and formal contexts.
彼は自分の罪の償いをした。
He made atonement for his sins.
償いとして、彼女はボランティア活動を始めた。
As atonement, she started volunteering.
Literally 'sin-destroying', this implies atonement through good deeds or suffering to cancel out one's sins. Often used in religious or dramatic contexts.
彼は罪滅ぼしのために寄付をした。
He made a donation as atonement for his sins.
A formal, often religious term for redemption or atonement, particularly in Christian contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
キリストの贖罪を信じる。
I believe in Christ's atonement.
Expressing atonement through a sincere apology and desire to make things right.
To apologize formally, often implying a desire to atone. Used in public or official apologies.
彼は公の場で謝罪した。
He apologized publicly as an act of atonement.
To apologize deeply, often with a sense of personal atonement. More emotional than 謝罪する.
彼は心から詫びた。
He apologized from the heart, seeking atonement.
Specifically referring to the Christian doctrine of Christ's atonement for humanity's sins.
The standard Christian term for redemption or atonement. Used in theological contexts.
イエスの贖いによって救われる。
We are saved through Jesus' atonement.
Also used in Christian contexts, but can be broader. See above.
Focusing on the practical side of atonement: doing something to compensate for a wrong.
To make up for, compensate. Often used in everyday situations where you want to atone for a mistake or inconvenience.
遅刻の埋め合わせに、昼食をおごった。
To atone for being late, I treated him to lunch.
The verb form of 償い. To compensate or atone for something.
彼は自分の過ちを償うために努力した。
He worked hard to atone for his mistake.
償い (tsugunai) is the general term for atonement or compensation in both secular and religious contexts. 贖罪 (shokuzai) is more formal and specifically religious, often used in Christian theology. For everyday apologies and making amends, 償い or 埋め合わせ are more natural.
Directly translating 'atonement' as 贖罪 in casual conversation may sound overly dramatic or religious. Use 償い or 埋め合わせ unless the context is explicitly religious.
キリストの贖罪を信じる。
I believe in Christ's atonement.