Sometimes saying “I’m sorry” in words just doesn’t feel like enough. That’s where emoji can come in handy on WhatsApp to help you apologize in a more meaningful way. WhatsApp has a huge selection of emoji that you can use creatively to say you’re sorry and make amends.
Why Use Emoji to Apologize on WhatsApp?
Using emoji to apologize on WhatsApp can help in several ways:
- Emoji add emotion and personality to your message, making it come across as more sincere.
- They break up long blocks of text, making your apology easier to read.
- Emoji allow you to express emotions you may struggle to convey through words alone.
- Creative use of emoji imagery helps explain exactly what you’re sorry for.
- Emoji lighten the mood a little, which can help diffuse tension or anger.
The visual nature of emoji makes them perfect for expressing regret or remorse. A well-chosen emoji or two will go a long way towards smoothing over hurt feelings and making things right again.
Best Emoji for Apologizing on WhatsApp
Here are some of the most effective emoji to use when saying sorry on WhatsApp:
Folded Hands Emoji
The folded hands emoji is one of the most common ways to say sorry on WhatsApp. It’s the virtual equivalent of clasping your hands together pleadingly and asking for forgiveness.
It’s especially good for:
- Apologizing for a favor you can’t grant or request you must deny.
- Admitting you made a mistake.
- Asking for forgiveness for hurting someone’s feelings.
Example: “I’m so sorry I can’t make it to your party tonight 🙏. Please forgive me!”
Pleading Face Emoji
For a more desperate, dramatic plea for forgiveness, you can use the pleading face emoji. The sad eyes and angled eyebrows convey remorse and regret.
This emoji is ideal for:
- Apologizing profusely when you’ve really messed up.
- Showing you know you were in the wrong.
- Appearing genuinely contrite and trying to make amends.
Example: “I’m begging you to forgive me 🥺. I know I shouldn’t have lied and I feel just awful about it.”
Loudly Crying Face Emoji
If you need to really lay the remorse on thick, insert the loudly crying face emoji. Its weeping eyes and open frown portray intense sadness and regret.
Use when:
- You feel crushing guilt over something terrible you did.
- You want to highlight how awful you feel about the situation.
- You need to convince the other person to accept your apology.
Example: “I’m so so sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me 😭. I’ll never forgive myself.”
Disappointed Face Emoji
The disappointed face emoji with its downturned mouth and eyebrows furrowed in frustration is great for showing you’re upset with yourself over your actions.
It works well when:
- You want to apologize for letting someone down.
- You didn’t meet expectations and feel bad about it.
- You’re frustrated with yourself for what happened.
Example: “I’m really disappointed in myself 😞. I should never have forgotten about our plans.”
Worried Face Emoji
The wide eyes and furrowed brows of the worried face emoji show concern and apprehension. Use it to convey how anxious you feel about the situation.
It’s helpful for:
- Apologizing for something that may have larger consequences.
- Showing you’re concerned about the harm caused.
- Emphasizing you know the other person is upset.
Example: “I’m really worried I jeopardized our friendship. I’m so sorry 😟.”
Person Bowing Emoji
Nothing says “I’m sorry” more than the person bowing emoji, which conveys humility and regret. It’s the virtual equivalent of bowing in contrition.
Use when:
- You want to apologize in the most deferential, respectful manner possible.
- You’re admitting wrongdoing and want to show humility.
- You are sincerely asking the other person to forgive you.
Example: “I take full responsibility and apologize for my actions 🙇♂️. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Get Creative with Emoji Combos
You can also mix and match emoji creatively to customize your apology and show exactly how you’re feeling.
Some examples:
- I know I was wrong 😔 🙏 Please forgive me!
- I feel awful about what I said 😣🤦♀️ I didn’t mean it at all.
- I’m so incredibly sorry 😫 😭 I don’t deserve your forgiveness but please give me another chance!
With the huge variety of emoji available, you can find the perfect way to say sorry visually.
Emoji to Avoid When Apologizing
However, not all emoji are well-suited for apologies. Here are some to avoid:
- Laughing/smiling emoji – These make you appear insincere.
- Heart emoji – Hearts downplay the seriousness of the situation.
- Thumbs up emoji – This is too casual and gives the wrong tone.
- Emoji overwhelm – Don’t overdo it. A few select emoji are best.
The wrong emoji can undermine your apology and make it seem like you don’t take things seriously. Choose carefully to match the situation.
Sample WhatsApp Apology Messages Using Emoji
Here are some full example WhatsApp apology messages using emoji:
“I’m so sorry I missed your event last night. I feel just terrible about it 😣 Please know it was completely unintentional and I’ll do better next time. I hope you can forgive me 🙏”
“I apologize for being so short with you earlier. I was stressed but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. That was wrong of me 😔 I’ll totally understand if you’re upset.”
“I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart for lying to you 😔 💔 I don’t expect you to forgive me right away but I’ll do whatever it takes to rebuild your trust.”
“I’m sorry I forgot about our plans last night. That was really inconsiderate of me 🤦♂️ I know you must have been really hurt. I feel just awful about it 😟 Please let me make it up to you”
When to Follow Up With a Voice Message
While emoji can help set the right tone, sometimes it’s also important to follow up your WhatsApp apology with a voice message.
Use voice messages when:
- It’s a serious transgression that requires a sincere, personal touch.
- The situation calls for elaborating in your own words.
- It’s important the other person hears the sincerity in your voice.
- You feel just text and emoji don’t convey the depth of your regret.
Voice messages allow you to apologize in a heartfelt, genuine way. Follow up your emoji-filled text with a short, sincere voice message when appropriate.
Don’t Rely Solely on Emoji
While emoji can enhance an apology, don’t use them as a crutch. They should complement your words, not serve as a shortcut or replacement for sincerely owning up to your actions.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Use emoji judiciously – Don’t go overboard.
- Write thoughtful, clear text along with emoji.
- Convey genuine remorse and regret in your words.
- Give a meaningful, specific apology.
- Explain how you plan to do better.
Emoji amplify your message, but a thoughtful, heartfelt apology requires more than just some clever emoji. Back them up with substance.
When to Apologize on WhatsApp vs. In Person
As a rule of thumb:
- Minor offenses – WhatsApp is fine.
- Major transgressions – Apologize face-to-face if possible.
For small, casual missteps, a WhatsApp apology with emoji is perfectly acceptable. But for serious wrongdoings that may damage your relationship, make the effort to apologize to the person’s face.
Use good judgment based on the situation and your normal communication preferences. But some things call for looking someone in the eyes and owning your mistake.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s huge emoji library gives you ample effective ways to apologize and show regret visually. Fold your hands pleadingly, bow down in humility, or weep tears of sadness. Just don’t overdo it, and back up your emoji with genuine remorse.
With the right combination of text, visuals and voice, you can apologize sincerely on WhatsApp. Emoji add emphasis and emotion to show you’re really, truly sorry. Just make sure to follow up with how you intend to do better next time. A heartfelt mea culpa and pledge to improve goes a long way.