Usage and Nuance
The verb 饶恕 (ráo shù) means "to forgive" or "to pardon," often implying a merciful or lenient attitude toward someone's mistakes or offenses. It is a formal and somewhat literary term, commonly used in written language, legal contexts, or serious conversations about forgiveness.
Common Collocations
- 饶恕错误 (ráo shù cuòwù): to forgive mistakes
- 饶恕罪行 (ráo shù zuìxíng): to pardon crimes
- 请求饶恕 (qǐngqiú ráoshù): to ask for forgiveness
These collocations emphasize the act of excusing or pardoning faults or offenses.
Register and Tone
饶恕 carries a respectful and solemn tone, often used when discussing forgiveness in a serious or formal context. It is less common in casual daily conversation, where simpler verbs like 原谅 (yuánliàng) are preferred.
Common Confusion
饶恕 is sometimes confused with 原谅, which also means "to forgive." 饶恕 often implies a higher degree of mercy or leniency, sometimes in legal or moral contexts, whereas 原谅 is more general and colloquial.
Summary
Use 饶恕 when you want to express forgiving someone with mercy or leniency, especially in formal or serious contexts. Remember that it is more formal than 原谅 and often appears in written or official language.