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.
I regret not telling the truth back then.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I regret not coming earlier. / I should have come earlier.
I regret not speaking honestly back then.
Means 'should have done'. Stronger sense of obligation or duty. Regret for not fulfilling an expectation.
I should have apologized to him. (I regret not doing so.)
Means 'I wish I hadn't done ~'. Regret for having done something.
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.
That's regrettable, isn't it? / That's too bad.
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.
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.
He regretted his own mistake.
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.
I am regretful that it turned out this way.
Literally 'heart-painful', used to express deep regret or reluctance when causing trouble or refusing a request. Very polite and somewhat literary.
I am deeply regretful that I cannot help you.
あと少しでゴールだったのに、惜しい！
So close! That's regrettable. (You almost scored.)