遺憾

• Reading: いかん
• Romaji: ikan
• Kanji breakdown: 遺 (i) — leave behind; 憾 (kan) — regret, resentment
• Pronunciation: /i.kaɴ/

Meaning

Regrettable; deplorable; unsatisfactory. Expressing deep disappointment or dissatisfaction with a situation.

A noun and na-adjective meaning deep regret or a sense that something fell short of expectations. Heavily used in formal and diplomatic speech: 誠に遺憾です (this is truly regrettable). In political contexts it often serves as diplomatic criticism without being overtly hostile. Note that 遺憾 expresses the speaker's disappointment, not an apology.

Examples

1. 今回の事態は誠に遺憾であり、再発防止に全力を尽くします。 This situation is truly regrettable, and we will do everything in our power to prevent a recurrence.
2. 相手国の対応は遺憾と言わざるを得ない、と外務大臣は述べた。 The foreign minister stated that the other country's response was deplorable.
3. 試合の結果は遺憾だったが、選手たちは最善を尽くした。 The outcome of the match was disappointing, but the players gave it their all.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, diplomacy, formal statements, apologies

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 遺 (i) means to leave behind or omit, 憾 (kan) means regret or resentment. Together: 'lingering regret.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Official