Translation guide
The state or feeling of being unhappy. In Japanese, this is often expressed through adjectives like 不幸 (unfortunate) or 悲しい (sad), nouns like 不幸せ, or verbs describing emotional states. The most natural choice depends on whether you're describing a general state, a specific feeling, or a situation.
Describing a person's overall unhappy condition or lack of happiness in life.
A common noun/adjective meaning 'unhappiness' or 'misfortune'. Can describe a person's state or a situation. Often used in formal or written contexts, but also in everyday speech.
彼は不幸な人生を送った。
He lived an unhappy life.
不幸なことに、雨が降り始めた。
Unfortunately, it started to rain.
Literally 'unhappiness', the direct opposite of 幸せ (happiness). More emotional and personal than 不幸. Common in spoken Japanese.
彼女は不幸せそうに見える。
She looks unhappy.
不幸せな結婚生活だった。
It was an unhappy marriage.
Means 'sadness' or 'sorrow'. Focuses on the emotional feeling rather than the overall state. Often used for specific causes of unhappiness.
深い悲しみに沈んでいる。
I am sunk in deep sadness.
Means 'melancholy' or 'gloom'. A more literary or psychological term for a persistent low mood. Not used casually.
憂鬱な気分だ。
I feel gloomy.
Expressing that you are currently feeling unhappy or sad.
The most common adjective for 'sad'. Use this for immediate feelings of unhappiness.
今日はなんだか悲しい。
I feel kind of sad today.
その話を聞いて悲しくなった。
I became sad hearing that story.
Means 'feeling down/depressed'. Describes a low mood, often without a specific reason.
最近気分が落ち込んでいる。
I've been feeling down lately.
Literally 'not happy'. A direct way to say you are unhappy. Can sound blunt, so use with care.
今の生活に幸せじゃない。
I'm not happy with my current life.
Describing something that makes people unhappy.
Transitive verb phrase meaning 'to make (someone) unhappy'. Use with a person as the object.
彼の言葉が彼女を不幸にした。
His words made her unhappy.
Causative form of 悲しむ (to feel sad). Means 'to make someone sad'. More emotional than 不幸にする.
その知らせは彼を悲しませた。
The news made him sad.
不幸 (ふこう) often implies misfortune or bad luck, and can be used for situations (e.g., 不幸な事故 - an unfortunate accident). 不幸せ (ふしあわせ) is more personal and emotional, focusing on the lack of happiness. In daily conversation about feelings, 不幸せ or 悲しい are more natural than 不幸.
彼は不幸な事故で亡くなった。
He died in an unfortunate accident.
彼女は不幸せな子供時代を過ごした。
She had an unhappy childhood.
English 'unhappiness' is often used as a noun, but in Japanese, it's more natural to use adjectives or verbs. Saying 私の不幸 (my unhappiness) can sound overly dramatic or literary. Instead, describe how you feel: 悲しいです (I'm sad) or 気分が良くないです (I don't feel good).