How to say 'Regrettable' in Japanese | 残念

word

Meaning

Regrettable

Reading

Kanji

残Remainder 念Thought

Explanation

The Japanese adjectival noun '残念 (ざんねん)' means 'regrettable' or 'disappointing'. It is used to express a feeling of disappointment or regret about a situation, outcome, or event. This word is often used in contexts where something did not go as planned or when something unfortunate happens. For example: It's regrettable that the event was canceled「イベントが中止になって残念です」(イベントがちゅうしになってざんねんです). I'm disappointed that I couldn't meet you「会えなくて残念です」(あえなくてざんねんです). The word can also be used to politely express sympathy or disappointment on behalf of someone else, such as '残念ながら (ざんねんながら)', which means 'unfortunately'.

Part Of Speech

adjectival noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1992

Composition

kanji

Handwriting