生憎

• Reading: あいにく
• Romaji: ainiku
• Kanji breakdown: 生 (sei/nama) — life, raw; 憎 (zou/niku) — hateful
• Pronunciation: /a.i.ni.kɯ/

Meaning

Unfortunately; unluckily. Used when circumstances are unfavourable or disappointing.

Functions as a na-adjective, adverb, and noun. Most commonly used adverbially at the start of a sentence to express regret about a situation beyond one's control. Often paired with polite forms like 生憎ですが when declining requests or delivering bad news.

Examples

1. 生憎、明日は予定が入っています。 Unfortunately, I have plans tomorrow.
2. 生憎の雨で花見は中止になった。 The cherry blossom viewing was canceled due to unfortunate rain.
3. 生憎ですが、その商品は売り切れです。 I'm sorry, but that item is sold out.

Usage Guide

Context: business, customer service, apologies

Tone: apologetic

Origin & History

Written with kanji 生 (life/raw) and 憎 (hateful), the word originally conveyed the nuance of something hatefully inconvenient. The kanji are ateji — chosen for sound rather than meaning.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal