pity, be sparing of, frugal, stingy, regret
惜 centers on a feeling of reluctance to let go, whether from emotional attachment (pity, regret) or from a desire to hold onto resources (being sparing, frugal, stingy).
惜 combines the heart radical 忄 with 昔, which likely contributes the sound and carries a sense of pastness. The character expresses a heart that clings to something past or scarce, leading to feelings of regret or unwillingness to part with things.
The heart 忄 beside 昔 (old times) suggests a heart that holds onto the past. When you cling to old things, you become sparing, stingy, or full of regret.
For セキ, imagine a stingy person who counts every second (秒, びょう) and every cent (セント), but here the sound is セキ. Picture a miserly old man saying, 'I regret every セキ (seki) I have to spend!' The word 'seki' sounds like 'sake' but with a stingy twist—he won't even share a drop.
regrettable; disappointing; unfortunate
to spare; to grudge; to be sparing (with); to be frugal; to be stingy
alas; regrettably; to my great regret; tragically
to one's regret; regrettably; to one's chagrin
being a poor loser; unwillingness to admit defeat; sour grapes
regrettable defeat; defeat by a narrow margin
reluctant (to part)
reluctance; regret; frugality
it is to be regretted that ...; it is a pity that ...; it is unfortunate that ...
reluctance to part; sorrow at parting
frustrated (over a failure, humiliation or injustice); annoyed; chagrined; (bitterly) disappointed; bitter; vexed; frustrating; annoying; regrettable
honey is sweet, but the bee stings; I want to eat fugu, (but) I value my life
stinginess; miserliness
devoting one's body and soul to Buddhist teachings; unsparing devotion to Buddhism
to be lazy
being reluctant to give out (pay, provide, etc.); giving out grudgingly
to grudge; to begrudge; to be stingy; to be unwilling to pay
to loathe to part (with); to be reluctant to leave (someone)
sparing no trouble; taking pains (to); take the trouble (to)
valuing one's body and life; holding one's life dear