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
惜しむ
おしむ (oshimu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "regret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 後悔 and 惜しむ.
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, 惜しむ (おしむ (oshimu)) maps to "to regret, to惜しむ, to惜しむ" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for things one doesn't want to lose, like time, opportunity, or a loved one. Implies reluctance to part with or use something precious.. 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 "惜しむ"
彼は時間を惜しむことなく研究に打ち込んだ。
He devoted himself to research without regretting the time spent.
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.". "惜しむ" represents "to regret, to惜しむ, to惜しむ".