к сожале́нию
k sožaléniju
The English phrase "unfortunately" is translated into Russian as к сожале́нию (k sožaléniju). Wiktionary also lists к несча́стью (k nesčástʹju).
Meaning: happening through bad luck (adv)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| к сожале́нию | k sožaléniju |
| к несча́стью | k nesčástʹju |
The phrase is used to describe something happening through bad luck. к сожале́нию is the standard way to express regret or disappointment about a situation.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, к сожале́нию means "to regret" and к несча́стью means "to misfortune".
Which one should you use?
While к сожале́нию is the standard way to express regret or disappointment, к несча́стью implies a more severe sense of misfortune or bad luck.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both к сожале́нию and к несча́стью function as adverbial phrases and are typically used as sentence modifiers at the beginning of a clause.
How do you pronounce it?
k sožaléniju
Did you know?
- The word несча́стье in к несча́стью contains the root сча́стье, which means 'happiness'. Adding the prefix не- transforms 'happiness' into 'misfortune' or 'tragedy'.
- While к сожале́нию is common in speech, Russian writers often use the phrase увы́ to express a more poetic or dramatic sense of 'alas' or 'unfortunately'.
- If you use к несча́стью in a conversation about a minor inconvenience, like a missed bus, you might sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.
Examples in context
- К сожалению, я не смогу посетить вечеринку.I'm sorry, but I won't be able to attend the party.
- К сожалению, концерт был отменен из-за плохой погоды.Unfortunately, the concert was canceled due to bad weather.
Example conversation
Andrei and Maria are talking about a movie.
- Андрей AndreyМария, ты пойдёшь со мно́й в кино́?Mariya, ty poydyosh so mnoy v kino?Maria, will you go to the cinema with me?
- Мария MariaК сожале́нию, я заня́та сего́дня ве́чером.K sozhaleniyu, ya zanyata segodnya vecherom.Unfortunately, I am busy this evening.
- Андрей AndreyЖаль, а когда́ ты смо́жешь?Zhal', a kogda ty smozhesh'?That's a pity, when will you be able to?
- Мария MariaДава́й встре́тимся в суббо́ту.Davay vstretimsya v subbotu.Let's meet on Saturday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unfortunately” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
