Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 太可惜了 | tài kěxī le |
| 真遺憾 / 真遗憾 | zhēn yíhàn |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 太可惜了 is composed of 太 (too/excessively), 可惜 (pity/a waste) and 了 (a particle indicating a change of state or emphasis).
Which one should you use?
太可惜了 is used for minor disappointments or missed opportunities, whereas 真遗憾 is more formal and often used for more serious or profound regrets.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal situations, 真可惜 is commonly used to convey "too bad" or "what a pity." Another informal way to express "too bad" is by using 好可惜. In formal situations, you can use the term 不幸 to express "too bad" or "unfortunately." Another formal expression for "too bad" is 遗憾.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 真遗憾 can be used as a standalone exclamation or as a predicate in a sentence, such as 我真遗憾 (I truly regret it). To add emphasis or elaboration, you can use the phrase 遗憾的是 before stating the unfortunate event or situation.
How do you pronounce it?
tài kěxī le
When do people say it?
The exclamation 唉 is often used in informal contexts to express a sense of disappointment or resignation.
Did you know?
- The formal word for regret 遗憾 is frequently used in official diplomatic apologies from the Chinese government to express 'regret' without admitting legal fault.
- In Chinese, the word for 'too bad' or 'pity', 可惜, can also mean 'precious' or 'valuable' in certain contexts. This creates a linguistic link between something being a waste and something being highly prized.
- The character 憾 in 遗憾 contains the radical for 'heart', reflecting the internal emotional weight of a lasting regret.
Examples in context
- 太可惜了！That's too bad.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is too bad.Tatoeba #332578 by fucongcong, translation #433625 by CK
- 不幸的是，我们的计划被取消了。Unfortunately, our plans got canceled.
- 我对此感到非常遗憾。I feel very sorry about this.
- 你没能来参加聚会，真可惜！It's too bad you couldn't come to the party!
- 这个商店已经关门了，好可惜。This shop has already closed, what a pity.
- 遗憾的是，我没能参加你的生日派对。Unfortunately, I couldn't attend your birthday party.
- 唉，看来我们无法去旅行了。Oh, it seems we won't be able to go on the trip.
- 没能去成，太可惜了。Méi néng qù chéng, tài kěxī le.I couldn't make it, that's a pity.
- 票卖完了，太可惜了。Piào mài wán le, tài kěxī le.The tickets are sold out, too bad.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are talking about a concert that was canceled.
- 伟 Wei音乐会取消了。Yīnyuèhuì qǔxiāo le.The concert was canceled.
- 佳怡 Jiayi真遗憾，太可惜了。Zhēn yíhàn, tài kěxī le.That's a shame, too bad.
- 伟 Wei我真的很想去。Wǒ zhēn de hěn xiǎng qù.I really wanted to go.
- 佳怡 Jiayi别难过了。Bié nánguò le.Don't be sad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “too bad” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
