いかんせん

い

か

ん

せ

ん

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

adverb

unfortunately; regrettably; to one's regret

usually written using kana alone

Adverbial use expressing that something is regrettable or cannot be helped. Often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

いかんせん、時じ間かんが足たりなかった。
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time.

いかんせん、予よ算さんが限かぎられている。

Regrettably, the budget is limited.

2

expression

what can be done about ...; ... cannot be helped

usually written using kana aloneformal or literary

Formal or literary expression used in the pattern 〜をいかんせん, meaning that something is beyond one's control or cannot be helped. Rare in everyday speech.

資し金きん不ぶ足そくをいかんせん、計けい画かくは中ちゅう止しせざるを得えなかった。
With the lack of funds being what it was, we had no choice but to cancel the plan.