Translation guide
Expressing that a situation is unfortunate or regrettable. Japanese uses various expressions depending on formality, speaker's feeling, and whether it's about oneself or others.
To say that something is a pity, unfortunate, or too bad.
The most common and neutral way to say 'it's a pity' or 'that's too bad'. Can be used in both casual and polite forms (残念です).
それは残念だね。
That's a pity, isn't it?
試合に負けて残念です。
It's a pity we lost the game.
Used when something was close to success or almost achieved, implying 'so close!' or 'what a shame!' Often used in sports or when missing an opportunity.
あと少しだったのに、惜しい！
You were so close! What a pity!
Expresses that something is a waste or too good to waste. It can convey 'what a pity' when something valuable is not used properly.
まだ使えるのに捨てるのはもったいない。
It's a pity to throw it away when it's still usable.
Expresses sympathy or pity for someone's misfortune. Slightly more empathetic than 残念, focusing on the person's feelings.
彼が病気だと聞いて気の毒に思った。
I felt pity for him when I heard he was sick.
A very formal and emphatic way to say 'extremely regrettable'. Used in official statements or written apologies.
このたびの結果は残念至極です。
This outcome is extremely regrettable.
To show that you feel sorry for someone's situation.
Polite expression of sympathy, often used when someone has experienced a misfortune. Can be used as a standalone phrase.
お気の毒に、それは大変でしたね。
Oh, that's a pity, that must have been tough.
Expresses pity or compassion, often for someone in a pitiful state. Can sound condescending if used inappropriately, so use with care.
Can sound patronizing if used about adults or equals.
かわいそうに、彼は一人ぼっちだ。
Poor thing, he's all alone.
To react to disappointing news in a casual, conversational way.
A short, casual exclamation meaning 'Too bad!' or 'What a shame!'.
え、行けないの？残念！
Oh, you can't go? That's a pity!
An interjection expressing disappointment or resignation, like 'Oh well' or 'What a shame'.
あーあ、雨が降ってきた。
Oh well, it started raining. What a pity.
残念 is the general 'it's a pity'. 惜しい is used when something was almost achieved or when you regret missing an opportunity. もったいない is about wastefulness or something being too good to waste.
ゴールが決まらなくて残念だ。
It's a pity they didn't score.
シュートがポストに当たって惜しい！
The shot hit the post – so close!
こんなにおいしい料理を残すのはもったいない。
It's a pity to leave such delicious food.
Do not directly translate 'a pity' as 哀れみ (あわれみ) or 同情 (どうじょう) in most contexts. Those words mean 'pity' in the sense of compassion or mercy, and can sound unnatural or overly dramatic for everyday disappointments.
来られなくて残念です。
It's a pity that you can't come.
残念！
What a pity!
そんな才能を無駄にするのはもったいない。
It's a pity to waste such talent.
Do not directly translate 'a pity' as 哀れみ (あわれみ) or 同情 (どうじょう) in most contexts. Those words mean 'pity' in the sense of compassion or mercy, and can sound unnatural or overly dramatic for everyday disappointments.