About
The character "歉" is structured from the phonetic component "兼" which historically suggested its pronunciation, combined with the semantic component "欠" meaning to lack or be deficient, originally conveying the idea of a grain shortage or poor harvest. This concrete notion of insufficiency gradually extended into the psychological and social realm, evolving to signify a personal shortcoming or failure in fulfilling an expectation, which naturally led to its contemporary primary meaning of regret or apology. The traditional form maintains the original composition, while the simplified form retains the identical structure, with the conceptual thread from material deficit to moral or social deficit remaining clear throughout its semantic development.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我向你道歉。
他感到非常抱歉。
请接受我的歉意。
我对此深表歉意。
他因错误而道歉。
她满怀歉疚地离开了。
对于我的疏忽，我谨致歉意。
尽管他已道歉，但受害者仍未释怀。