Translation guide
The English word "sad" covers a range of emotions from mild unhappiness to deep sorrow. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 悲しい (kanashii), but depending on the nuance, other words like 寂しい (sabishii) for loneliness or 辛い (tsurai) for emotional pain may be more appropriate. This guide helps you choose the right expression for your intended meaning.
Expressing a general feeling of sadness or unhappiness, often in response to a specific event or situation.
The most common and direct translation for "sad." It describes a feeling of sorrow or grief, often triggered by something specific.
I felt sad when I heard that story.
I cried watching a sad movie.
A variant kanji for 悲しい, often used in literary contexts to emphasize a deeper, more poignant sorrow or pathos. The meaning is essentially the same, but this spelling can add a nuance of profound sadness.
They met a sad fate.
The verb form meaning "to feel sad" or "to grieve." Often used when someone is saddened by an event or loss.
I am grieving his death.
Expressing sadness from being alone or missing someone or something.
Describes the feeling of loneliness or missing someone/something. It's a specific type of sadness related to absence.
I'm sad because my friend moved away.
A colloquial variant of 寂しい (sabishii), more common in spoken Japanese. The meaning is identical.
Expressing sadness that is deeply painful, distressing, or hard to bear.
Describes a situation or feeling that is emotionally painful, tough, or hard to endure. It's stronger than 悲しい and often implies suffering.
Breaking up is painful.
His words were hurtful (made me sad).
A poignant, aching sadness often associated with love, nostalgia, or unfulfilled longing. It's a bittersweet, heart-wrenching feeling.
Describing something or someone as sad in the sense of being pitiful, wretched, or disappointing.
Means pitiful, miserable, or wretched. It can express compassion or sometimes contempt for something pathetic.
He looked pitiful.
Describes something or someone as pathetic, shameful, or miserable, often with a nuance of disappointment or frustration.
Expressing a state of low spirits, depression, or gloominess, often lasting longer than momentary sadness.
悲しい (kanashii) is general sadness, often with a clear cause. 寂しい (sabishii) is loneliness or missing someone. 辛い (tsurai) is emotional pain or hardship, stronger than 悲しい. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
I'm sad, but not lonely.
Heartbreak is painful.
English uses "sad" in many contexts where Japanese would use a different word. For example, "a sad excuse" is not 悲しい言い訳 but 情けない言い訳. Always consider the specific meaning.
That's a sad excuse.
Living alone is lonely.
ああ、さみしいなあ。
Ah, I feel so lonely.
この歌を聞くと切なくなる。
This song makes me feel a deep, aching sadness.
It's pathetic to make such a mistake.
試験に落ちて落ち込んでいる。
I'm feeling down because I failed the exam.