無念|むねんmunen[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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- na-adjective, no-adjectiveregret; chagrin; mortification
- noun, Buddhismfreedom from obstructive thoughts
Conjugation
| Plain form | 無念(むねん) |
|---|---|
| Polite (desu) | 無念です(むねんです) |
| Negative (dewa nai) | 無念ではない(むねんではない) |
| polite (dewa arimasen) | 無念ではありません(むねんではありません) |
| Past (datta) | 無念だった(むねんだった) |
| Past negative (dewa nakatta) | 無念ではなかった(むねんではなかった) |
| Te form (de) | 無念で(むねんで) |
| Adverbial (ni) | 無念に(むねんに) |
| Conditional (nara) | 無念なら(むねんなら) |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
- Synonym残念ざんねんNeutralThe everyday word for 'too bad' or 'disappointing', and much milder. 「無念」 is far deeper chagrin — bitter regret over a failure or dying with one's wish unfulfilled.
- Synonym遺憾いかんWrittenFormal written word used in official apologies or statements of displeasure, as in 「遺憾の意」. 「無念」 is a personal, intense sense of chagrin and frustration.
- SynonymこころのこりNeutralLingering regret over something left undone — a matter you still cannot let go of afterwards. 「無念」 stresses bitter chagrin and frustration itself.
- Synonym悔しいくやしいNeutralThe everyday word for feeling frustrated after a loss or humiliation. 「無念」 carries a heavier tone, suited to solemn occasions or old-fashioned speech.
- Synonym口惜しいくちおしいWrittenA literary, old-fashioned variant of 「悔しい」, used in writing and literature. Close to 「無念」 in sense, but 「無念」 is more solemn.
- Related悔しさくやしさNeutralA noun for the feeling of frustration or bitterness. 「無念」 is more written and solemn, often marking deep regret over a major matter.
- Antonym満足まんぞくNeutralSatisfaction — things turning out as one wished and feeling content. The direct opposite of the chagrin and frustration of 「無念」.
- Antonym本望ほんもうWrittenFulfilling a long-cherished desire, as in 「本望を遂げる」. Stands opposite 「無念」, which is tinged with lasting regret.
For everyday 'too bad' use 「残念」; for frustration after a loss, 「悔しい」. 「無念」 is solemn — deep, bitter regret over a major failure or unfulfilled wish. 「遺憾」 fits formal written apologies. Opposites: 「満足」 contentment, 「本望」 a fulfilled desire.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only


