Translation guide
Expressing deep regret in Japanese involves choosing the right level of formality and emotional weight. Common expressions range from casual apologies to formal, heartfelt remorse.
The speaker feels strong regret for something they did or caused, often with a sense of guilt or sorrow.
A formal and sincere way to express deep reflection and regret over one's actions. Suitable for serious situations.
今回の失敗を深く反省しています。
I deeply regret this failure.
Directly expresses regret. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but often implies personal remorse.
あの時、正直に言わなかったことを後悔しています。
I regret not being honest at that time.
Expresses regret with a nuance of frustration or chagrin. Often used for missed opportunities or personal mistakes.
もっと勉強しなかったことを悔やんでいます。
I regret not studying more.
Expresses regret or disappointment, but is less emotionally charged. Often used in formal situations or when the regret is not entirely the speaker's fault.
そのような結果になったことを残念に思っています。
I deeply regret that things turned out this way.
A very formal and humble expression of regret, often used in business or official apologies. Emphasizes the feeling of being sorry and taking responsibility.
ご迷惑をおかけしたことを申し訳なく思っています。
I deeply regret causing you trouble.
The speaker feels sorry about an unfortunate situation, but may not be directly responsible.
A formal expression used in official statements or business contexts to express regret over a situation. Often used by organizations or in public apologies.
この度の事故について遺憾に思います。
We deeply regret this accident.
A common and versatile way to say 'it's regrettable' or 'I'm sorry to hear that.' Can be used in both personal and formal situations.
あなたが来られなくて残念です。
I deeply regret that you can't come.
Expresses a feeling of deep regret or distress, often when one has to do something unpleasant or deliver bad news. More emotional than 残念です.
このようなお知らせをしなければならず、心苦しいです。
I deeply regret having to inform you of this.
A profound emotional state of sadness and regret, often over a loss or past event.
A strong word for deep regret or remorse, often used in written language or formal speech. Implies a sense of bitter regret.
彼は痛恨の思いで過去を振り返った。
He looked back on the past with deep regret.
Literary term for deep remorse or penitence. Often used in psychological or philosophical contexts.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'deep sadness and regret.' Used when the emotion is a mix of grief and remorse.
彼女は深い悲しみと後悔の念にかられた。
She was seized with deep regret and sorrow.
反省 (はんせい) focuses on self-reflection and learning from mistakes, often with a forward-looking attitude. 後悔 (こうかい) is simply regretting something, without necessarily implying reflection. In formal apologies, 反省 is preferred because it shows a willingness to improve.
The phrase '深い後悔' (ふかいこうかい) is grammatically correct but sounds somewhat stiff and literary. In everyday speech, it's more natural to use verb phrases like 深く反省しています or とても後悔しています.
彼の心は悔恨で満たされていた。
His heart was filled with deep regret.