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
遺憾
いかん (ikan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "regret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 後悔 and 遺憾.
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, 遺憾 (いかん (ikan)) maps to "regret; pity; deplorable; highly regrettable; unsatisfactory" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deep regret, pity, or feeling deplorable/unsatisfactory about a bad result, accident, or diplomatic dispute. 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 "遺憾"
政府のスポークスマンは、隣国による一方的な領海侵入に対して、「極めて_______である」との声明を発表しました。
The government spokesman released a statement saying, 'It is extremely regrettable' regarding the unilateral intrusion of territorial waters by the neighboring country.
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.". "遺憾" represents "regret; pity; deplorable; highly regrettable; unsatisfactory".