Make amends Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To do something to correct a mistake or wrong you have caused, especially to try to make things right with someone you have hurt or offended.

Usage & Nuances

This is a somewhat formal expression, often used in both personal and legal situations. Common with verbs like 'try'/'want to make amends'. It emphasizes sincere effort to fix a wrong. Not used for small, trivial problems.

• Spanish: reparar el daño - enmendar - compensar
• Portuguese (BR): compensar - reparar - fazer as pazes
• Portuguese (PT): compensar - reparar - fazer as pazes
• Chinese (Simplified): 弥补 - 补救 - 赔罪
• Chinese (Traditional): 彌補 - 補救 - 賠罪
• Hindi: मुआवज़ा देना - क्षतिपूर्ति करना
• Arabic: إصلاح الخطأ - التعويض عن الخطأ
• Bengali: প্রায়শ্চিত্ত করা - সংশোধন করা
• Russian: загладить вину - искупить
• Japanese: 償いをする - 埋め合わせをする
• Vietnamese: chuộc lỗi - sửa sai
• Korean: 사과하다 - 잘못을 바로잡다
• Turkish: gönül almak - telafi etmek
• Urdu: ازالہ کرنا - تلافی کرنا
• Indonesian: menebus kesalahan - memperbaiki kesalahan

Example Sentences

After the argument, he wanted to make amends with his friend.

basic

He baked cookies for the whole office to make amends after his mistake in the meeting.

natural

She apologized and did her best to make amends for her mistake.

basic

Donating money to charity is one way to make amends for past wrongs.

basic

I know I messed up, but I really want to make amends.

natural

It's never too late to try and make amends with someone you've hurt.

natural