Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Regret" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "regret", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
後悔
こうかい (kōkai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
会稽
かいけい (kaikei)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "regret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 後悔 and 会稽.
In Japanese, 後悔 (こうかい (kōkai)) is typically associated with "regret; repentance" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to regretting or repenting past actions or choices. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 会稽 (かいけい (kaikei)) maps to "regret, remorse, self-reproach" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 過去の失敗や過ちを深く反省し、後悔する気持ちを表す、やや硬い表現です。自己への批判的な視点を含みます。/ A somewhat formal expression for deeply reflecting on past failures or mistakes and feeling remorse. It includes a critical self-perspective.. A literal translation of "regret" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "後悔"
若い頃にもっと勉強しておけばよかったと、後悔しています。
I regret that I should have studied harder when I was young.
Bilingual Context for "会稽"
彼は若き日の愚行を会稽し、残りの人生を償いに捧げた。
He regretted the follies of his youth and dedicated the rest of his life to atonement.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "若い頃にもっと勉強しておけばよかったと、 ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "I regret that I should have studied harder when I was young.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "後悔" fits here because it means "regret; repentance" in the context of: "I regret that I should have studied harder when I was young.". "会稽" represents "regret, remorse, self-reproach".