Translation guide
Expressing a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, typically one's own actions or a missed opportunity.
Expressing personal regret or remorse for something you did.
The most direct and common way to say you regret something. It implies a sense of remorse and wishing you had acted differently.
あの時、本当のことを言わなかったことを後悔している。
I regret not telling the truth back then.
彼は自分の決断を後悔している。
He regrets his decision.
A verb meaning to regret or mourn something, often used for missed opportunities or losses. Slightly more emotional than 後悔する.
若い頃にもっと勉強しなかったことを悔やんでいる。
I regret not studying more when I was young.
Focuses on self-reflection and acknowledging a mistake, often with a sense of wanting to improve. Common in formal apologies.
自分の行動を深く反省しています。
I deeply regret my actions. (I am reflecting on my actions.)
An adjective expressing frustration, chagrin, or vexation, often mixed with regret. It's more about feeling upset at an outcome rather than moral remorse.
試合に負けて悔しい。
I'm frustrated/regretful that we lost the game.
Saying you are sorry for an inconvenience or mistake in a polite or formal context.
A formal expression of regret, often used in business or official apologies. It conveys a sense of being sorry and taking responsibility.
ご迷惑をおかけして、申し訳なく思っております。
I am regretful for causing you trouble.
Expresses disappointment or regret, often for situations beyond one's control. Less personal responsibility than 申し訳なく思う.
そのような結果になり、残念に思います。
I am regretful that it turned out this way.
Expressing regret about a past situation that cannot be changed, often with 'should have' or 'wish'.
Attach to the conditional form of a verb to mean 'I wish I had done ~' or 'I should have done ~'. Expresses regret over not doing something.
もっと早く来ればよかった。
I regret not coming earlier. / I should have come earlier.
あの時、正直に話せばよかった。
I regret not speaking honestly back then.
Means 'should have done'. Stronger sense of obligation or duty. Regret for not fulfilling an expectation.
彼に謝るべきだった。
I should have apologized to him. (I regret not doing so.)
Means 'I wish I hadn't done ~'. Regret for having done something.
あんなことを言わなければよかった。
I regret saying such a thing. / I wish I hadn't said that.
Expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation, not necessarily your own fault.
The most common way to say something is unfortunate or regrettable. Used for disappointments, bad news, or missed chances.
それは残念ですね。
That's regrettable, isn't it? / That's too bad.
試合に負けて残念だ。
I'm disappointed/regretful that we lost the match.
Means 'almost but not quite', expressing regret over a near miss or wasted opportunity. Often used in sports or competitions.
Formal and stiff expression of regret, often used in official statements or news reports. Not for personal feelings.
今回の決定は遺憾である。
This decision is regrettable.
後悔 (regret) implies personal responsibility and remorse for your own actions. 残念 (disappointment) is for unfortunate situations, often beyond your control. Use 後悔 when you wish you had acted differently; use 残念 when something sad or unlucky happened.
彼は自分の失敗を後悔した。
He regretted his own mistake.
雨でピクニックが中止になって残念だ。
It's regrettable that the picnic was canceled due to rain.
English 'regretful' is an adjective, but Japanese often uses verb phrases like 後悔している or adjectives like 残念だ. Direct translations like 後悔的な are not natural. Choose the appropriate expression based on whether you are expressing personal remorse or commenting on a situation.
Literally 'heart-painful', used to express deep regret or reluctance when causing trouble or refusing a request. Very polite and somewhat literary.
お力になれず、心苦しい限りです。
I am deeply regretful that I cannot help you.
So close! That's regrettable. (You almost scored.)