Translation guide
Expressing that something is unfortunate, a pity, or to be regretted. Japanese often uses adjectives like 残念, 遺憾, or phrases like 惜しい. The choice depends on formality, personal feeling vs. formal statement, and whether you are expressing personal disappointment or describing a situation as regrettable.
Expressing that you personally feel something is unfortunate or a shame, often in casual or everyday situations.
The most common and versatile word for 'regrettable' or 'too bad'. Used as a na-adjective or interjection. Can express personal disappointment or sympathy.
それは残念ですね。
That's regrettable / too bad.
残念ながら、行けません。
Unfortunately, I can't go.
Means 'regrettable' in the sense of 'almost but not quite', or 'a waste'. Often used when something was close to success or when losing something valuable.
惜しい！あと少しだったのに。
So close! You almost had it.
彼を失うのは惜しい。
It's a shame to lose him.
Expresses regret over waste or not making full use of something. Can be used when something good is underappreciated or thrown away.
まだ使えるのに捨てるのはもったいない。
It's a waste to throw it away when it's still usable.
Expressing regret in formal contexts, such as official statements, business, or news. Often used to acknowledge an unfortunate situation or mistake.
Formal word for 'regrettable', used in official statements, apologies, or diplomatic language. Conveys a sense of deep regret or disappointment.
今回の決定は誠に遺憾です。
This decision is truly regrettable.
遺憾の意を表します。
We express our regret.
A slightly more formal way to say 'I find it regrettable'. Can be used in polite speech or writing.
その結果を残念に思います。
I find that result regrettable.
Describing an event, action, or situation as regrettable, often in a more objective or narrative way.
Passive form of 悔やむ (to regret). Means 'is regretted' or 'is regrettable'. Often used for past actions or events that one wishes had been different.
彼の死が悔やまれます。
His death is deeply regretted.
あの時の判断が悔やまれる。
I regret the decision I made back then.
Means 'heartbreaking' or 'pitiful', often used for tragic events. Carries a stronger emotional weight than 'regrettable'.
Means 'unfortunate' or 'unhappy'. Can be used to describe regrettable circumstances, but is less direct than 残念.
それは不幸な出来事だった。
That was an unfortunate event.
Saying that you regret something you did or didn't do, often with a sense of personal responsibility.
The standard way to say 'I regret ~'. 後悔 means 'regret' or 'remorse'. Use with a noun or a nominalized verb.
あの時言ったことを後悔している。
I regret what I said back then.
もっと勉強しなかったことを後悔している。
I regret not studying more.
A common pattern for expressing regret: 'I wish I had done ~' or 'I should have done ~'. Literally 'if I had done ~, it would have been good'.
もっと早く来ればよかった。
I should have come earlier.
あの時、本当のことを言えばよかった。
I should have told the truth back then.
残念 is the everyday word for 'regrettable' or 'too bad', used in casual and polite speech. 遺憾 is formal and often used in official apologies or statements. Using 遺憾 in casual conversation would sound overly stiff.
残念ですが、今日は閉店です。
Unfortunately, we're closed today.
政府は遺憾の意を表明した。
The government expressed regret.
English 'regrettable' can often be translated as 残念, but in many contexts, a more natural Japanese expression exists. For example, 'It's regrettable that he left' might be better as 彼が去ったのは残念だ, but in casual speech, 彼がいなくなって寂しい (I miss him) could be more natural depending on the nuance.
痛ましい事故が起きた。
A tragic accident occurred.