synonym Comparative
惜しい
VS
無駄遣い
Differences Between "惜しい" and "無駄遣い"
Option A
惜しい
Meaning
regrettable, disappointing, too good to waste, precious
Reading
おしい (oshii)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
あと一歩で優勝だった。本当に惜しかった。
We were one step away from winning. It was truly regrettable/a pity.
Option B
無駄遣い
Meaning
waste (of money, time), squandering
Reading
むだづかい (muda-zukai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
お金の無駄遣いはやめましょう。
Let's stop wasting money.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(regrettable, disappointing, too good to waste, precious)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 惜しい: Expresses regret for something missed (e.g., almost winning), or that something is too valuable to waste. Can also mean 'pity'. (ex: 惜しい失敗, 捨てるのが惜しい)
- 無駄遣い: Using resources, especially money or time, inefficiently or unnecessarily. It often carries a negative connotation of extravagance or poor judgment. (お金や時間などを目的もなく使ってしまうこと。悪い意味で使われることが多い)
- 惜しい: Expresses regret for something missed (e.g., almost winning), or that something is too valuable to waste. Can also mean 'pity'. (ex: 惜しい失敗, 捨てるのが惜しい)
- 無駄遣い: Using resources, especially money or time, inefficiently or unnecessarily. It often carries a negative connotation of extravagance or poor judgment. (お金や時間などを目的もなく使ってしまうこと。悪い意味で使われることが多い)
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