How to say 'Pitiful' in Japanese | 情けない

word

Meaning

Pitiful

Reading

Kanji

情Feeling, Emotion

Explanation

The Japanese adjective '情けない (なさけない)' primarily conveys a sense of pity, disappointment, or frustration, often directed at oneself or others due to a lack of effort, competence, or dignity. It can describe situations, actions, or people that evoke a feeling of sadness or regret. For example: his attitude is pitiful「彼の態度は情けない」(かれのたいどはなさけない). I feel pitiful for not studying harder「もっと勉強しなかった自分が情けない」(もっとべんきょうしなかったじぶんがなさけない). This word is often used in contexts where there is a sense of letdown or failure, emphasizing a lack of resolve or dignity.

Part Of Speech

adjective

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

5942

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting