N2
あいにく (ainiku)
生憎
unfortunately; sorry, but...
💡 Nuance & Usage:
相手の期待に沿えない状況や、残念な結果を伝える際に、前置きとして使う表現。謙譲語に近いニュアンスも持つ。「生憎ですが」「生憎の雨」など。(An expression used as a preamble when conveying a situation that cannot meet the other person's expectations or an unfortunate result. It also has a nuance similar to humble language. E.g., 'Unfortunately, but...', 'Unfortunate rain'.)
📝 Example Sentences
生憎ですが、課長は本日外出しております。
Unfortunately, the section chief is out today.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "生憎"!
_______、明日は都合が悪くて参加できません。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 「あいにく」は、相手の期待に沿えない時に「残念ながら」というニュアンスで使います。
English: Ainiku (生憎) is used with the nuance of 'unfortunately' when you cannot meet someone's expectations.
English: Ainiku (生憎) is used with the nuance of 'unfortunately' when you cannot meet someone's expectations.
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