始末書(しまつしょ)

しまつしょ
noun
written apology; explanation letter
1. written apology; letter of explanation
A formal document written by an employee to their company explaining and taking responsibility for a mistake, accident, or problem they caused.
始末書(しまつしょ)を書(か)かされた。
I was made to write a written apology.
遅刻(ちこく)が続(つづ)いて始末書(しまつしょ)を提出(ていしゅつ)した。
I had to submit an explanation letter because I kept being late.
部長(ぶちょう)から始末書(しまつしょ)の提出(ていしゅつ)を求(もと)められた。
The department manager asked me to submit a written apology.

始末書(しまつしょ) is a formal workplace document.

USAGE:

  • Written when an employee causes a problem, accident, or violates company rules
  • Usually includes an explanation of what happened and a commitment not to repeat the mistake
  • Kept in the employee's personnel file

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 始末書(しまつしょ)を書(か)く: to write an explanation letter
  • 始末書(しまつしょ)を提出(ていしゅつ)する: to submit a written apology
  • 始末書(しまつしょ)を求(もと)める: to request a written apology

RELATED TERMS:

  • 顛末書(てんまつしょ): incident report (more objective, less about taking blame)
  • 反省文(はんせいぶん): reflection essay (less formal)
general
Added 2026.1.31 7:59
09000/09022_shimatsusho