Translation guide
The feeling of deep sadness, often from loss or regret. In Japanese, the most common word is 悲しみ (kanashimi), but other expressions carry different nuances of grief, loneliness, or melancholy.
Expressing a deep, often personal sadness, such as from loss, disappointment, or heartbreak.
The most common and versatile word for sorrow or sadness. Can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼女の悲しみは深かった。
Her sorrow was deep.
悲しみを乗り越える。
To overcome sorrow.
An alternative kanji for 悲しみ, often used in literary or poetic contexts to emphasize a more profound, heartrending sorrow.
哀しみの詩
A poem of sorrow
Deep grief or lamentation, often used in formal or written contexts, such as news reports or literature.
事故の知らせに家族は悲嘆に暮れた。
The family was overcome with grief at the news of the accident.
A quieter, more reflective sadness, often tinged with loneliness or a sense of emptiness.
The sadness of loneliness or missing someone/something. Very common in everyday speech.
友達が引っ越して寂しさを感じる。
I feel sorrow/loneliness since my friend moved away.
A bittersweet, poignant sadness, often associated with longing or nostalgia. Common in songs and poetry.
この曲は切なさでいっぱいだ。
This song is full of poignant sorrow.
A wistful, elegant melancholy, often used in literary or artistic descriptions.
Sadness mixed with regret or remorse over something done or not done.
Regret; the sorrow of wishing you had done something differently. Very common.
言わなければよかったと後悔している。
I am filled with sorrow/regret that I said that.
To mourn or regret something, often used for deaths or missed opportunities.
Intense, sometimes overwhelming emotional pain or anguish.
Suffering or anguish, which can include emotional sorrow. Broader than just sadness.
心の苦しみを誰にも言えなかった。
I couldn't tell anyone about my inner sorrow/pain.
Heartache or mental anguish; a more formal term for deep emotional distress.
悲しみ is the standard kanji for everyday sadness. 哀しみ is a variant used in literature to evoke a deeper, more poignant sorrow. In speech, both are read as かなしみ, so the nuance is only in writing.
English 'sorrow' is somewhat formal and less common in casual speech. In Japanese, 悲しみ is perfectly natural in everyday conversation. Use it where you might say 'sadness' or 'grief' in English.
彼女は悲しみを隠せなかった。
She couldn't hide her sorrow.
時がすべての悲しみを癒す。
Time heals all sorrows.
哀愁を帯びたメロディー
A melody tinged with sorrow
I mourn his death (with sorrow).
その知らせは彼に大きな心痛を与えた。
The news caused him great sorrow/heartache.