‘Chàn huǐ’ means ‘to repent’—a formal, often solemn act of acknowledging wrongdoing and expressing deep remorse, especially in religious or moral contexts. The first character 忏 (chàn) originally comes from Buddhist terminology, referring to confession before a Buddha or monastic community; the second character 悔 (huǐ) means ‘to regret’ or ‘to feel remorse’. Together, they convey not just sorrow for past actions but also a sincere intention to change and atone. This word carries strong ethical weight and is commonly used in Buddhist practice, Christian confessions in Chinese-speaking communities, or literary/moral discourse.

Unlike casual words like 后悔 (hòuhuǐ, ‘to regret’), 忏悔 implies a structured, introspective process—often involving prayer, ritual, or public acknowledgment. It appears frequently in classical texts, sermons, novels about redemption, and discussions of conscience. While it can be used metaphorically (e.g., ‘repenting’ for societal wrongs), its core sense remains deeply tied to moral accountability and spiritual renewal.