godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
spare; grudge; be sparing with; be frugal; be stingy
Reluctance to use, give, or spend something because it is considered valuable or limited. Can range from sensible frugality to negative stinginess depending on context.
彼はお金を惜しんで、必要なものまで買わない。
He grudges money and won't even buy what he needs.
時間を惜しんで勉強する。
I study, grudging every moment (i.e., making the most of my time).
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
Feeling sorry about a loss, parting, or missed opportunity. Often used with nouns like 別れ (farewell) or 死 (death).
友との別れを惜しんだ。
I regretted parting with my friend.
彼の死を惜しむ声が多く聞かれた。
Many voices lamented his death.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
be reluctant (to do); be unwilling
Hesitation or unwillingness to do something, often because it involves effort, cost, or loss. Commonly used in the pattern 〜を惜しまない (not to spare/grudge ~).
彼は努力を惜しまない。
He spares no effort.
協力を惜しむつもりはない。
I have no intention of being reluctant to cooperate.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
To treasure something and be unwilling to lose or waste it. Often used for abstract things like time, talent, or relationships.
彼女はわずかな時間も惜しんで練習した。
She treasured every moment and practiced.
才能を惜しんで使わないのはもったいない。
It's a waste to hold your talent dear and not use it.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
Archaic sense, often written as 愛しむ. Expresses deep affection or cherishing, now largely replaced by 愛する or 大切にする.
古歌には、子を惜しむ母の心が詠まれている。
The old poem expresses a mother's heart cherishing her child.