哀惜

• Reading: あいせき
• Romaji: aiseki
• Kanji breakdown: 哀 (ai) — grief, sorrow, pity; 惜 (seki) — regret, lament, cherish
• Pronunciation: /a.i.se.ki/

Meaning

Grief; sorrow; deep regret; mourning. Expresses profound lamentation over an irreplaceable loss.

A formal noun used in literary, ceremonial, and journalistic contexts to convey deep mourning or regret, especially over the death of a respected person or the end of something precious. Common collocations include 哀惜の念 (feelings of grief) and 哀惜の声 (voices of lamentation). More elevated in register than 悲しみ or 残念.

Examples

1. 偉大な指導者の訃報に、国民は深い哀惜の念を抱いた。 At the news of the great leader's death, the people were filled with deep feelings of grief.
2. 親友の急逝を前に、言葉では言い表せない哀惜が胸に広がった。 Faced with the sudden passing of a close friend, an inexpressible sorrow spread through his heart.
3. 彼の引退を惜しむ哀惜の声がファンの間から上がった。 Voices of lamentation at his retirement rose up among the fans.

Usage Guide

Context: obituaries, literary writing, condolences

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound from classical Chinese. 哀 (ai) means grief or sorrow, 惜 (seki) means to lament or deeply regret the loss of something precious. Together they express profound mourning over an irreplaceable loss.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated