後悔

• Reading: こうかい
• Romaji: koukai
• Kanji breakdown: 後 (kou/go) — after, behind; 悔 (kai) — regret, repent
• Pronunciation: /koː.kai/

Meaning

Regret; repentance. A feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something done or left undone.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (後悔する). Expresses deep personal regret about past actions or inaction. Common patterns include 後悔している (to be regretting), 後悔しても遅い (it is too late for regret), and 後悔のない人生 (a life without regrets). Homophone with 航海 (voyage) — context always makes the meaning clear. A word that resonates across all ages and life stages.

Examples

1. あのとき勉強しなかったことを後悔している。 I regret not studying back then.
2. 後悔しても遅いから前を向こう。 It's too late for regret, so let's look forward.
3. 彼女は自分の選択を後悔していない。 She doesn't regret her choices.

Usage Guide

Context: personal reflection, advice, life decisions

Tone: melancholy

Origin & History

Compound of 後 (kou, after/later) and 悔 (kai, regret/repent). Literally 'regretting afterward' — the painful reflection on what has already passed.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal