惜しい · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 惜しい | 惜しくない |
| Polite | 惜しいです | 惜しくないですalso 惜しくありません |
| Past polite | 惜しかったです | 惜しくなかったですalso 惜しくありませんでした |
| Past | 惜しかった | 惜しくなかった |
| Te-form | 惜しくて | 惜しくなくて |
| Adverbial | 惜しく | |
| Conditional | 惜しければ | 惜しくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 惜しかったら | 惜しくなかったら |
regrettable; disappointing; unfortunate
Expresses regret that something good or desirable is lost, wasted, or didn't happen. Often used when something is almost achieved but falls short.
I missed passing by just one point. So close!
まだ使えるのに捨てるのは惜しい。
It's a shame to throw it away when it's still usable.
Describes something or someone too good or important to lose, waste, or treat carelessly. Often used in the pattern ～が惜しい or ～を惜しいと思う.
彼のような有能な人材を失うのは会社にとって惜しい。
Losing a talented person like him would be a great loss for the company.
命が惜しいなら、ここから逃げろ。
If you value your life, get out of here.
too good for; deserving better
Used when someone or something seems wasted on a person or situation, implying the recipient doesn't deserve it. Common pattern: ～には惜しい.
あんな素晴らしい女性は彼には惜しい。
A wonderful woman like her is too good for him.
このアイデアをこの小さなプロジェクトだけに使うのは惜しい。
It's a waste to use this idea only for this small project.
almost; close but not quite
Used as an exclamation or comment when something is nearly achieved or correct but just misses the mark. Often stands alone as 惜しい！.
答えは「犬」じゃなくて「猫」だよ。惜しい！
The answer is 'cat', not 'dog'. Close!
シュートはゴールポストに当たった。惜しい！
The shot hit the goalpost. So close!
This book is still usable, so it would be a waste to throw it away.
It's a position beneath someone as talented as him.
Time is precious before the exam, so let's stop chatting.
So close! The shot went just over the goal.
spare; grudge; be sparing with; be frugal; be stingy · regret; lament · be reluctant (to do); be unwilling · value; prize; hold dear · love; cherish
frustrated; annoyed; disappointed