synonym Comparative
残念
VS
後悔
Differences Between "残念" and "後悔"
Option A
残念
Meaning
disappointment; regret; pity; unfortunate
Reading
ざんねん (zannen)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
楽しみにしていた遠足が雨で中止になってしまい、弟はとても_______そうな顔をしていました。
The excursion he was looking forward to was canceled due to rain, and my younger brother had a very disappointed look on his face.
Option B
後悔
Meaning
regret; repentance
Reading
こうかい (kōkai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
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.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(disappointment; regret; pity; unfortunate)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 残念: Refers to feeling disappointed, regrettable, or showing pity for an unfortunate outcome. Often used as 残念な結果 or 残念に思う. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Disappointment! If you don't spend the weekend with me, it's not just a disappointment, it's a tragedy! So clear your schedule!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ざんねん（残念）！週末、私とのデートをキャンセルするなんて、残念どころか人生最大の損失よ！分かったら今すぐ這ってでも来なさい！』
- 後悔: Refers to regretting or repenting past actions or choices. Can be used with する as a verb (後悔する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Never live a life of regrets! Make choices that you won't regret! And... choosing to work right next to me... is a choice you will absolutely NEVER regret! I guarantee it!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『後悔するような生き方は絶対にしないで！自分で選んだ道を突き進みなさい！そして…私の隣で働くことを選んだことだけは、絶対に後悔させないからね！私が保証するわ！』
- 残念: Refers to feeling disappointed, regrettable, or showing pity for an unfortunate outcome. Often used as 残念な結果 or 残念に思う. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Disappointment! If you don't spend the weekend with me, it's not just a disappointment, it's a tragedy! So clear your schedule!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ざんねん（残念）！週末、私とのデートをキャンセルするなんて、残念どころか人生最大の損失よ！分かったら今すぐ這ってでも来なさい！』
- 後悔: Refers to regretting or repenting past actions or choices. Can be used with する as a verb (後悔する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Never live a life of regrets! Make choices that you won't regret! And... choosing to work right next to me... is a choice you will absolutely NEVER regret! I guarantee it!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『後悔するような生き方は絶対にしないで！自分で選んだ道を突き進みなさい！そして…私の隣で働くことを選んだことだけは、絶対に後悔させないからね！私が保証するわ！』
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