情けない

• Reading: なさけない
• Romaji: nasakenai
• Kanji breakdown: 情 (nasake/jō) — emotion, sympathy, compassion
• Pronunciation: /na.sa.ke.na.i/

Meaning

Miserable; pitiable; shameful; deplorable; pathetic.

An i-adjective expressing disappointment, shame, or pity. Often directed at oneself — 自分が情けない (I'm pathetic/ashamed of myself) — but also used about situations or others. Carries a strong emotional charge combining embarrassment, frustration, and sadness. The noun form is 情けなさ. Derived from 情け (nasake, compassion/sympathy) + ない (without), originally meaning 'without compassion' but now meaning 'pitiable' or 'deplorable.'

Examples

1. こんな簡単な問題が解けないなんて情けない。 I can't believe I can't solve such a simple problem — it's pathetic.
2. 自分の弱さが情けなくて涙が出た。 I was so ashamed of my own weakness that tears came to my eyes.
3. 情けない結果に終わってしまった。 It ended in a deplorable result.

Usage Guide

Context: self-reflection, disappointment, daily life

Tone: emotional

Origin & History

From native Japanese: 情け (nasake, compassion/pity) + ない (without). Originally meant 'merciless' or 'heartless,' but the meaning shifted over centuries to describe a state so pathetic it invites pity — something lamentable or shameful.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal