Translation guide
Expressing that something is regrettable or unlucky. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through adverbs, set phrases, or sentence-ending expressions that soften the statement.
残念ながら、行けません。
Unfortunately, I can't go.
Expressing that a situation is regrettable or not as desired, often used to soften bad news or a negative statement.
The most common and neutral way to say 'unfortunately'. It literally means 'while it is regrettable' and is used in both spoken and written Japanese.
残念ながら、明日のイベントは中止です。
Unfortunately, tomorrow's event is canceled.
Unfortunately, he can't come.
Used when something is inconvenient or unlucky, often for situations beyond one's control. Slightly more formal than 残念ながら.
あいにくの雨で、試合は延期になった。
Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to rain.
あいにくですが、その日は予定があります。
Unfortunately, I have plans that day.
Literally 'as a regrettable thing', this phrase emphasizes the feeling of regret. It is slightly more emotional than 残念ながら.
残念なことに、彼は引っ越してしまった。
Unfortunately, he moved away.
Politely declining or giving bad news while showing regret.
A very polite way to say 'I'm sorry, but...' before delivering unfortunate news. Common in business and formal settings.
申し訳ありませんが、本日の営業は終了しました。
Unfortunately, we are closed for today.
Extremely polite, often used in customer service. It expresses deep regret for the inconvenience caused.
恐れ入りますが、満席でございます。
Unfortunately, we are fully booked.
Conveying one's own feeling of regret or disappointment about a situation.
A simple and direct way to say 'That's unfortunate' or 'I'm disappointed'. Can be used in casual and polite speech.
それは残念です。
That's unfortunate.
合格できなくて残念です。
Unfortunately, I didn't pass. (I'm disappointed I didn't pass.)
Expresses frustration or regret, often when one feels they could have done better. Stronger than 残念.
Used in news reports, formal documents, or literary contexts.
Literary or formal, meaning 'unhappily' or 'unfortunately'. Often used in tragic contexts.
不幸にも、彼は事故で亡くなった。
Unfortunately, he died in an accident.
Means 'unluckily' or 'as bad luck would have it'. Emphasizes the role of bad luck.
運悪く、電車が遅れた。
Unfortunately, the train was delayed.
残念ながら is the most versatile and can be used in almost any situation. あいにく implies that the unfortunate event is due to circumstances beyond control, often used for scheduling conflicts or weather. あいにく is slightly more formal and less emotional.
残念ながら、彼は来られません。
Unfortunately, he can't come. (neutral regret)
あいにく、彼は来られません。
Unfortunately, he can't come. (due to some circumstance)
In English, 'unfortunately' is often used as a polite buffer. In Japanese, using 残念ながら or あいにく too frequently can sound overly negative or apologetic. In many cases, simply stating the fact without a softening adverb is more natural, especially in casual conversation.
残念ながら、コンサートは中止になりました。
Unfortunately, the concert was canceled.
行きたかったのですが、あいにく忙しくて。
I wanted to go, but unfortunately I was busy.
負けて悔しい。
It's frustrating that I lost. (Unfortunately, I lost.)