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許しを請う (ゆるしをこう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-u, special)
beg forgiveness ; ask for pardon ; ask for permission
Used when humbly asking for forgiveness or permission. The verb 請う/乞う is a formal, somewhat literary word for 'to ask/beg', making the whole expression sound earnest and often formal.
う
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I humbly ask for your pardon.
Written forms 許ゆる しを 請こ う
Standard kanji spelling; 請う is the most common kanji for 'to ask for' in this phrase.
許ゆる しを 乞こ う
Alternate kanji spelling; 乞う is also used for begging or requesting, but 請う is more common in this expression.
Similar words 謝あやま る 謝る is the common verb for 'to apologize', while 許しを請う is a more formal, earnest expression for begging forgiveness or asking for pardon.
許ゆる しを 求もと める 許しを求める is a more neutral and common way to say 'to seek forgiveness', whereas 許しを請う sounds more formal and literary.
Etymology Phrase composed of 許し (forgiveness, pardon) + を + 請う/乞う (to ask, beg). The verb 請う/乞う is an old, somewhat literary verb meaning 'to ask for' or 'to beg', giving the phrase a formal, earnest tone.
