懺悔

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 懺悔(ざんげ) means acknowledging and deeply regretting or confessing one's wrongdoing.
• Basic usage: It is used when someone admits a wrong and repents. Typical patterns are 過ちを懺悔する and 懺悔の言葉.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Check the reading
  • This word is normally read ざんげ; avoid guessing its pronunciation from the appearance of the kanji.
• Difference from 反省
  • 反省(はんせい) centers on looking back critically on one's conduct, while 懺悔 emphasizes admitting, deeply regretting, or confessing a wrong.