synonym Comparative
ごく
VS
惜しい
Differences Between "ごく" and "惜しい"
Option A
ごく
Meaning
quite, very, extremely (often with small quantity/degree)
Reading
ごく (goku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
これはごく一部の人が知っている情報だ。
This is information known by only a very small number of people.
Option B
惜しい
Meaning
regrettable, disappointing, too bad, almost (but not quite)
Reading
おしい (oshii)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
優勝に一歩届かず、本当に惜しかった。
We just missed winning the championship, it was truly a pity.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(quite, very, extremely (often with small quantity/degree))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- ごく: An adverb meaning 'very' or 'quite', typically used to emphasize a small quantity, degree, or rarity. Often paired with words like わずか, 一部, 少数. (「非常に」「きわめて」という意味の副詞。特に、量や程度が少ないこと、稀なことなどを強調する際に使われる。)
- 惜しい: Used to express regret or disappointment when something almost happened but didn't, or when a good opportunity is lost. Can also mean 'pity' or 'wasteful.'
- ごく: An adverb meaning 'very' or 'quite', typically used to emphasize a small quantity, degree, or rarity. Often paired with words like わずか, 一部, 少数. (「非常に」「きわめて」という意味の副詞。特に、量や程度が少ないこと、稀なことなどを強調する際に使われる。)
- 惜しい: Used to express regret or disappointment when something almost happened but didn't, or when a good opportunity is lost. Can also mean 'pity' or 'wasteful.'
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