残念
zannen[d͡zã̠nːẽ̞ɴ]
The English word 'unfortunate' is translated into Japanese as 残念 (zannen).
残念 is most frequently used to express a sense of regret or disappointment about a specific outcome. It can be used to describe various levels of disappointment or regret.
Meaning: marked or accompanied by or resulting in misfortune (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 残念 focuses on regret or being a pity, other terms carry different nuances. For example, 不運 (Fūun) is a straightforward and commonly used term for 'unfortunate' in formal settings, while 悲運 (Hiun) implies a sense of tragedy or a deeper level of misfortune. 不幸 (Fukō) carries a sense of unhappiness or unfortunate circumstances. In informal situations, the phrase ついてない (Tsuitenai) is an informal way to say 'unfortunate' or 'having bad luck.'
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the phrase as a complete sentence in a polite way, add です (desu) to the end to form 残念です. When used directly before a noun to modify it, the form becomes 残念な.
How do you pronounce it?
zannen
Did you know?
- The word 残念 (zannen) literally translates to 'remaining thoughts' or 'lingering feelings'. It evokes the image of a thought that refuses to leave your mind because of a missed opportunity.
- The word 残念 is often used as a reaction to a game or a contest, similar to saying 'close!' or 'so close!' in English when someone almost wins.
- In Japanese, the word 残念 can function as a way to politely decline an invitation. By saying それは残念です, you are not just saying 'that is unfortunate', but are signaling that you regret being unable to attend.
Examples in context
- 残念だったね。It was unfortunate.This sentence shows how to use the word to express that something was unfortunate.Tatoeba #169267 by KK_kaku_, translation #2248893 by CK
- 今日はとても残念なお知らせがあります。I have a very unfortunate announcement to make today.This sentence demonstrates using the word to describe an unfortunate announcement.Tatoeba #3164607 by tommy_san, translation #10088558 by tsp_2
- 多くの学生たちは「学位授与式が中止になったことは残念だが仕方がないことだ」と語る。The majority of students are saying that while it is unfortunate that the graduation ceremony was cancelled, it couldn't be helped.This sentence shows the word used in the context of a disappointing but unavoidable situation.Tatoeba #8602047 by small_snow, translation #10808636 by tsp_2
- 不幸な出来事が彼の人生を変えた。(Fukō na dekigoto ga kare no jinsei o kaeta.)An unfortunate event changed his life.
- 昨日、電車に乗り遅れてしまって、本当についてないよ。(Kinō, densha ni noriokurete shimatte, hontō ni tsuitenai yo.)Yesterday, I missed the train and had such bad luck.
- イベントが中止になったのは本当に残念です。(Ibento ga chūshi ni natta no wa hontō ni zannen desu.)It's really unfortunate that the event was canceled.
- テストでバツをもらってしまいました。(Tesuto de batsu o moratte shimaimashita.)I ended up getting a bad grade on the test.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about a cancelled outdoor event.
- 美咲 Misakiイベントが中止になったのは残念だね。Ibento ga chūshi ni natta no wa zannen da ne.It is unfortunate that the event was cancelled.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に残念だけど、仕方ないよ。Hontō ni zannen dakedo, shikatanai yo.It really is unfortunate, but it can't be helped.
- 美咲 Misakiまた今度、計画し直そう。Mata kondo, keikaku shinaosō.Let's plan it again next time.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、そうしよう。Sō da ne, sō shiyō.Yeah, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 残念, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 残念, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
