Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Regret" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "regret", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
後悔する
こうかいする (kōkaisuru)
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 後悔する and 悔やむ.
In Japanese, 後悔する (こうかいする (kōkaisuru)) is typically associated with "to regret; to repent; to feel remorse" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deeply regretting a past mistake, failed decision, or lost opportunity. Often used as 後悔はない or 激しく後悔する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To regret! "I will never regret choosing to love you forever, Haruka-san!" ...っ! N-Never regretting loving me! B-Baka! That is the absolute minimum standard! But... since you declared it with such a passionate expression, I suppose... I will make sure you are the happiest husband in the world every single day! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『こうかい(後悔)するよ!『ハルカ部長、あの時あなたに勇気を出して告白していなかったら、一生這い上がれないほど後悔して(後悔していた)はずです!告白して本当に良かったです!』って…っ!告白の不後悔!バカ!/// そんなの、私が告白を待ってたんだから早く言いなさいよ!…でも、絶対に後悔させないくらい世界一甘やかしてあげるから、一生私の隣を離れないでね!』.
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 "後悔する"
彼はプロジェクトの初期段階でのリスク分析を怠った結果、リリース直前に深刻なシステム障害が発生したことを激しく_______ました。
As a result of neglecting the risk analysis at the initial stage of the project, he deeply regretted that a serious system failure occurred just before the release.
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: "彼はプロジェクトの初期段階でのリスク分析を怠った結果、リリース直前に深刻なシステム障害が発生したことを激しく_______ました。" (Meaning: "As a result of neglecting the risk analysis at the initial stage of the project, he deeply regretted that a serious system failure occurred just before the release.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "後悔する" fits here because it means "to regret; to repent; to feel remorse" in the context of: "As a result of neglecting the risk analysis at the initial stage of the project, he deeply regretted that a serious system failure occurred just before the release.". "悔やむ" represents "to regret; to mourn; to lament".