Definition
饶恕 (ráo shù) is a formal verb meaning 'to forgive, pardon' for serious offenses, often used in legal or moral contexts. It is stronger and more solemn than 原谅 (everyday forgiveness) and similar to 宽恕 but with a nuance of sparing someone from punishment. Unlike 饶 (colloquial, lenient 'let off') or 包容 (tolerate/forgive minor faults), 饶恕 implies a grave wrongdoing.
verb
to forgiveto pardon (formal, for serious offenses)to spare (someone's life)
Examples
- 饶恕。Tā guì xiàlái qǐngqiú wǒ ráo shù tā de zuìxíng.He knelt down and begged me to forgive his crime.
- 饶恕。Jiāngjūn zuìzhōng juédìng ráo shù nàxiē fúlǔ.The general finally decided to spare those prisoners.
- 饶恕。Fǎlǜ bú huì ráo shù zhèyàng de yánzhòng bèipàn.The law will not pardon such a serious betrayal.
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