残念|ざんねんzannen[3]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. na-adjective, nounregrettable; unfortunate; disappointing; vexing
   お伺うかがいできないのが残念ざんねんです。↗

   I regret to say I can't come.

• Synonym遺憾いかんFormalFormal word for deep regret, used mostly in official statements or condemnations, as in 「誠に遺憾に存じます」; too stiff for everyday disappointment.
• Synonym無念むねんWrittenWritten word for bitter regret you might carry to the grave, as in 「無念の涙」; far heavier in tone than 「残念」.
• SynonymこころのこりNeutralA neutral word for lingering regret — something you still can't let go of, as in 「心残りがある」; it stresses unfinished wishes rather than disappointment.
• Synonym悔しいくやしいCasualColloquial word for being sore about a loss or failure, as in 「負けて悔しい」; wounded pride and stronger emotion than 「残念」.
• RelatedあいにくNeutralAdverb meaning 'unfortunately, of all times', as in 「あいにく雨だ」; stresses bad timing and often softens a polite refusal.
• Related口惜しいくちおしいWrittenOld-fashioned, bookish word for bitter chagrin with a personal edge; stronger unwillingness to accept than 「残念」. In speech, 「悔しい」 is the usual choice.
• Antonym満足まんぞくNeutralThe opposite of 「残念」: feeling satisfied or content, as in 「結果に満足する」.
• Antonym喜ばしいよろこばしいWrittenThe written opposite of 「残念」: joyful or welcome, as in 「喜ばしい知らせ」.

Everyday 'too bad' or 'what a shame' is 「残念」. Use 「遺憾」 for official regret, 「悔しい」 for being sore over a loss, 「無念」 for bitter, heavy regret, 「心残り」 for lingering attachments, and 「あいにく」 for bad timing. The opposite, satisfaction, is 「満足」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. もの足たりなく感かんじること。あきらめきれない様子ようす。
2. 悔くやしく思う様おもうさま。
3. 失敗しっぱい、敗北はいぼく。
4. 欠点けってんなどがあってよくない様さま。なさけない様さま。間まの抜ぬけた様よう。