惜しむ

• Reading: おしむ
• Romaji: oshimu
• Kanji breakdown: 惜 (seki/o) — regret, pity, spare
• Pronunciation: /o.ɕi.mɯ/

Meaning

To be sparing; to grudge; to regret losing. To value something so much that parting with it feels painful.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb with multiple nuances. Can mean to begrudge spending (time, money, effort), to feel reluctant to let go of something precious, or to mourn the loss of something valuable. Common expressions include 別れを惜しむ (to be reluctant to part), 努力を惜しまない (to spare no effort), and 惜しみなく (without reserve).

Examples

1. 彼は努力を惜しまない人だ。 He is someone who spares no effort.
2. 友人との別れを惜しんで涙を流した。 She shed tears, reluctant to say goodbye to her friend.
3. 引退する選手を惜しむ声が多かった。 Many people voiced their regret at the player's retirement.

Usage Guide

Context: farewells, dedication, emotional expression

Tone: sentimental

Origin & History

The kanji 惜 combines 忄 (heart) and 昔 (past, old times), evoking the feeling of the heart clinging to something from the past — the emotion of not wanting to let go of what is valued.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal