Meaning
原谅 means to forgive someone for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing. It conveys the idea of letting go of resentment and choosing not to hold something against another person. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing interpersonal relationships and conflicts.
Usage
原谅 is used when someone actively chooses to forgive another person. It's often paired with objects like 我 (me), 他 (him), or 错误 (mistake). Native speakers frequently use it in apologies (请原谅我) or when asking if someone has been forgiven (你原谅我了吗?). It carries a sincere, earnest tone and is appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese.
Examples
- 01我真的很抱歉，请原谅我的粗心大意。, .I'm really sorry, please forgive my carelessness.
- 02她已经原谅了他，他们又和好了。, .She has already forgiven him, and they've made up.
Characters
Common collocations
- 请原谅please forgive (me)
- 原谅我forgive me
- 不能原谅cannot forgive
- 原谅他的错误forgive his mistake
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to understanding and excusing. 原 originally meant 'source' or 'original,' suggesting getting back to the original state before the offense. 谅 (with the speech radical 讠) means to understand or sympathize with someone's situation.