للأسف
li-l-’asaf
The English phrase 'too bad' is translated into Arabic as للأسف (li-l-’asaf).
The phrase is used to express that something is a pity or unfortunate.
Meaning: that's a pity (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition li (for/to) and the noun al-asaf (the regret/sorrow).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
للأسف is a formal way to express 'too bad' or 'unfortunately'. It is appropriate for formal writing and for use in standard spoken Arabic across different dialects. In informal contexts, if you want to express disappointment or frustration, you might instead say ما عندي حظ, which literally means 'I'm unlucky'.
How do you pronounce it?
li-l-’asaf
Did you know?
- While للأسف is used for 'too bad', Arabic speakers often pivot to الحمد لله ('Praise be to God') when a 'too bad' situation occurs to maintain a positive spiritual outlook.
- While للأسف is standard, an Arabic speaker might express 'too bad' by saying 'ya khasara', which literally translates to 'oh, what a loss'.
- While 'too bad' is often used sarcastically in English, using للأسف sarcastically is much harder and can be seen as quite rude due to its formal, serious tone.
Examples in context
- للأسف، تم إلغاء الاجتماع الرسمي.Too bad, the official meeting was canceled.
- يا للأسف، فاتتني الحافلة.Too bad, I missed the bus.
- للأسف، لم أستطع الحضور.lil-asaf, lam astati' al-hudur.Too bad, I couldn't attend.
- للأسف، انتهى العرض.lil-asaf, intaha al-'ard.Too bad, the show is over.
- للأسف، لا يوجد طعام.lil-asaf, la yujad ta'am.Too bad, there is no food.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are talking about a cancelled concert.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تم إلغاء الحفلة؟hal tamma ilga' al-hafla?Was the concert cancelled?
- سارة Saraنعم، للأسف تم إلغاؤها.na'am, lil-asaf tamma ilga'uha.Yes, too bad it was cancelled.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا محزن جداً يا سارة.hadha muhzin jiddan ya Sarah.That is very sad, Sarah.
- سارة Saraأنا أيضاً حزينة.ana aydan hazina.I am sad too.
