無念|むねんmunen[1]atamadaka (head-high)

JLPT N1approx.Common
Definitions
  1. na-adjective, no-adjectiveregret; chagrin; mortification
  2. 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.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • 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

Japanese definitions
  1. (むねん)無我むがの境地きょうちに入はいり、余計よけいな事ことを何なんも考かんがえないこと。
  2. (むねん)悔くやしく思おもうこと。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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