Deep maening, structure and use of the kanji 謝 that expresses gratefulness and sorry, key apsects of Japanese culture.

The Japanese language reveals many traits of Japanese culture. Learning kanji, the Chinese originated ideograms, is a journey inside Japanese history and mentality.

The character 謝 is usually part of JLPT N1 kanji lists, the highest level of Japanese language certifications. However, it’s common to encounter it even before, as 感謝 (kasha), the word for “ gratitude” and 謝る (ayamaru), the word for “to apologise” are often in JLPT N4 and N3 lists ( medium-level tests).

In ancient contexts, it was also used to decline politely as a formal or courteous verbal action. 

Kanji structure

The kanji 謝 comprises two main parts and carries an interesting meaning linked to its origin.

言 (speech, language)
The main radical, on the left, is the one of the verb 言う (iu) = to say. The radical is usually found when referring to words and communication. It gives the whole 謝 kanji its general meaning associated with telling, speaking, and communicating something.  Therefore 言 represents using words as a medium for communication, such as apologizing or expressing thanks.

射 (to shoot)
On the right side, the character 射 alone means “to shoot (an arrow),” and it is used for the phonetic reading: 射 can be read as SHA, as 謝 in 感謝 kasha.
The radical relates to the meaning, too.  射 initially suggests a deliberate or focused action, symbolically linked to directing precise words for a specific purpose, like apologizing or showing gratitude.

Deep meaning

Combining “words” and a “targeted action” makes the kanji 謝 convey the need to approach situations with thoughtfulness and respect, whether to admit a mistake or to express thanks.

感謝
The word 感謝 する kansha suru can be translated as “I am grateful”, so it is not the exact equivalent of ありがとう arigatou (thank you), which is less formal.
It is interesting to notice that “kansha suru” in Japanese is used as a verb. It implies an action, not only a noun or a feeling. I clearly imagine a person bowing while using this verb. It’s a deep, reflective sense of appreciation, focusing on the emotion or state of gratitude.

Example phrase:
彼女は僕たちの手助けに感謝した。
(Kanojo wa bokutachi no tedasuke ni kansha shita)
She thanked us for our help.

謝る
The verb 謝る ayamaru (to apologise) is quite common as culturally Japanese people tend to say sorry very often. Apologizing is not just about admitting fault but also about acknowledging another person’s feelings and taking responsibility. Sometimes people say sorry not because really at fault but to show humility and preserve social harmony

Example phrase:
あなたは彼女に謝るべきだった。
(Anata wa kanojo ni ayamarubekidatta)
You ought to have apologized to her.

Are you studying Japanese? Read also Survival Japanese: Must-Know Easy Phrases for Travelling in Japan