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
悔やむ
くやむ (kuyamu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "regret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 後悔 and 悔やむ.
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, 悔やむ (くやむ (kuyamu)) maps to "to regret; to mourn; to lament" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses regret over past actions or inactions, or mourning for someone's death. It conveys a strong sense of sorrow or remorse.. 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 "悔やむ"
過去の自分の選択を悔やんでも仕方がない。
It's no use regretting my past choices.
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.". "悔やむ" represents "to regret; to mourn; to lament".