謝 apologize

言 (say) + 射 (shoot) Same-ON

★★★★☆

17 strokes

Onyomi

SHA	I apologize that I SHOT your dachshund.

If you say enough apologies, I won't shoot you.

( に ) あやま*る

apologize　(BOOBOO: This is only used when describing actions after the fact. You wouldn't step on someone's toes and then say わたしはあやまります！)
★★★★☆

に感謝(かんしゃ) する

gratitude ★★★☆☆
感 (feeling) + 謝 (apologize) = 感謝 (gratitude)

The most common, general word for gratitude.

謝罪(しゃざい) する

apologize ☆☆☆☆☆ NP
謝 (apologize) + 罪 (sin) = 謝罪 (apologize)

apology
侘び誤る謝る謝罪

gratitude, obligation
感謝恩恩恵義理義務

gratitude
嬉しい感謝

pay, compensation, money
弁償する慰謝料