歉 (qiàn) - Apology — to apologize & regret

歉Tone 4

qiàn ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

歉 · qiàn

Apology — to apologize;

regret;

insufficiency;

poor harvest;

deficient.

Apology — to apologizeregretinsufficiency

Usage highlights

ApologizeFeel sorryPoor harvestFeel regretfulApology letterTo make an apology

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 丰— abundant, plentiful (antonym to poor harvest sense)
  • 盈— full, surplus (antonym to deficient sense)
  • 傲— arrogant (antonym to humble apology sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I apologize for the mistake (抱歉).
  • He expressed his sincere apology (道歉).
  • This year's harvest was poor (歉收).
  • I feel deeply regretful (歉疚).

Collocations

  • Apologize(道歉)
  • Feel sorry(抱歉)
  • Poor harvest(歉收)
  • Feel regretful(歉疚)
  • Apology letter(歉函)
  • To make an apology(致歉)

Idioms

  • To sincerely apologize(深致歉意)
  • To feel both apologetic and ashamed(歉然愧作)
  • Good harvest and poor harvest(丰歉不均)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, sincere apology is highly valued as a virtue reflecting moral integrity.
  • The character combines 'lack' (欠) and 'modesty' (兼), suggesting humility in admitting insufficiency.
  • Traditionally used in agricultural contexts to describe crop failures or poor harvests.
  • Modern usage emphasizes interpersonal relationships and social harmony through apology.

FAQ