後悔
English meaning: Regret / Remorse
Definition
A feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something done or not done. 後悔しないように (so that you don't regret it) is a motivational phrase in Japanese culture.
Example
“あの時、もっと努力すればよかったと後悔しています。”
In English: “I regret not having tried harder at that time.”
Another example: “あの時やめておけばよかったと後悔している。”
Usage — When, Where & How
Noun/suru-verb for regret over something done or left undone. 後悔する (to regret) and the motivating phrase 後悔しないように (so as not to regret) are common; somewhat reflective/serious in tone.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
'後悔' (koukai) consists of the characters for 'after' (後) and 'repent' (悔), illustrating the feeling of remorse or regret that occurs post-event. The term has historically been associated with moral and ethical discussions in Japanese literature.
Common Collocations
- 後悔する
- 後悔しないように
- 後悔が残る
- 深く後悔する
- 後悔先に立たず
Word Forms
verb: 後悔する／後悔します／後悔した
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“古池や 蛙飛び込む 水の音”
/Furuike ya / kawazu tobikomu / mizu no oto/
“The old silent pond — a frog jumps into the water — the sound of a splash.”
“この世をば どりゃおいとまと 咲く花に”
/Kono yo o ba / dorya oitoma to / saku hana ni/
“As the blossoms fall, this world bids farewell — saying: now I must go.”
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Language information
- Language
- 日本語
- Japanese
- Script
- Kana+Han
- Family
- Japonic
- Speakers
- 125M