Translation guide
The English word "grievous" describes something that causes great pain, suffering, or sorrow, or is very serious and severe. It is a formal and somewhat literary word. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To describe an injury, wound, loss, or event that is extremely painful or distressing.
A common adjective meaning 'tragic', 'miserable', or 'disastrous'. It conveys deep suffering and is suitable for both physical and emotional contexts.
彼は悲惨な事故で家族を失った。
He lost his family in a grievous accident.
Means 'pitiful', 'heartbreaking', or 'distressing'. Often used for events or sights that evoke sympathy and sorrow.
痛ましい事件が起きた。
A grievous incident occurred.
Means 'heartbreaking' or 'anguished'. Emphasizes deep emotional pain, often used for cries, expressions, or news.
彼女の悲痛な叫びが聞こえた。
Her grievous cry could be heard.
A more literary and emphatic expression meaning 'extremely tragic' or 'utterly grievous'. Used in formal or written contexts.
その光景は悲惨極まるものだった。
The scene was utterly grievous.
To describe a mistake, error, or offense that is extremely serious and has severe consequences.
The most common and versatile word for 'serious' or 'grave'. Used for mistakes, problems, crimes, etc.
それは重大な過ちだ。
That is a grievous mistake.
Means 'serious' or 'grave', often implying a deep, worrying severity. Suitable for errors, situations, or problems.
彼は深刻な誤りを犯した。
He made a grievous error.
A formal, somewhat archaic adjective meaning 'grave' or 'serious'. Often used in news or official statements.
これは由々しき事態だ。
This is a grievous situation.
To describe something that brings deep sadness or mourning.
The basic word for 'sad'. While less intense than 'grievous', it is natural in many contexts. For stronger grief, combine with adverbs like 非常に (very).
それは非常に悲しい知らせだった。
It was grievous news.
Means 'deeply regrettable' or 'heartbreaking'. Often used for losses, failures, or missed opportunities that cause deep regret.
それは痛恨の敗北だった。
It was a grievous defeat.
Means 'lamentable' or 'mournful'. Used in formal contexts, often for deaths or tragedies.
哀悼すべき事故が発生した。
A grievous accident occurred.
The English word 'grievous' is formal and somewhat literary. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent. Choose the appropriate word based on whether you are describing physical pain, emotional suffering, or seriousness of a mistake. Using 悲惨な or 重大な will cover most cases naturally.
Both can describe tragic events, but 悲惨な emphasizes the misery and disaster, while 痛ましい focuses on the pitiful, heartbreaking aspect that evokes sympathy. 悲惨な事故 (a tragic accident) vs 痛ましい光景 (a heartbreaking scene).