心残り

• Reading: こころのこり
• Romaji: kokoronokori
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (kokoro) — heart, mind; 残 (zan/noko) — remain, left over
• Pronunciation: /ko.ko.ɾo.no.ko.ɾi/

Meaning

Regret; reluctance to leave something behind. A lingering feeling of sadness about something unfinished or lost.

A na-adjective and noun describing the feeling of regret or reluctance when leaving something behind or when something is left undone. Often used when departing a place, ending a relationship, or reflecting on missed opportunities. Common collocations include 心残りがある (to have regrets), 心残りだ (it is regretful), and 心残りなく (without regrets). More emotional and personal than 後悔 (regret), which implies self-blame.

Examples

1. 留学を終えて帰国するのは心残りだ。 It's hard to leave now that my study abroad is over and I have to go home.
2. 心残りがないように全力で取り組もう。 Let's give it everything we have so we have no regrets.
3. 唯一の心残りは祖父に会えなかったことだ。 My only regret is that I wasn't able to see my grandfather.

Usage Guide

Context: farewells, reflection, life decisions

Tone: melancholic

Origin & History

A compound of 心 (kokoro, heart) + 残り (nokori, remaining). Literally 'heart remaining' — the feeling that part of one's heart stays behind, unable to fully let go.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal