せっかく

• Reading: せっかく
• Romaji: sekkaku
• Pronunciation: /sek.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

With much effort; at great pains; taking the trouble to do something. Often implies it would be a waste not to take advantage.

An adverb and noun expressing that effort has been invested, so the result should not be wasted. せっかく作ったのに (I went to the trouble of making it, but...) conveys disappointment. せっかくだから (since we have gone to the trouble) suggests seizing an opportunity. Very common in polite conversation and shows consideration for effort.

Examples

1. せっかく作ったのに、誰も食べなかった。 I went to all that trouble to make it, but nobody ate it.
2. せっかくの休みだから、どこかに出かけよう。 Since we have the day off, let's go somewhere.
3. せっかく日本に来たのだから、富士山に登りたい。 Since I came all the way to Japan, I want to climb Mount Fuji.

Usage Guide

Context: opportunity, effort, disappointment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Written 折角 in kanji, where 折 means to break/fold and 角 means horn. Said to derive from a Chinese story about someone who painstakingly broke off a deer horn — capturing the idea of significant effort that should not go to waste.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal