Definition
遗憾 (yí hàn) is a noun meaning 'regret' (a feeling about something past) and an adjective meaning 'regrettable'. It is more formal and deeper than 可惜 (kě xī, 'it's a pity'), which is lighter and often about missed opportunities. Unlike 后悔 (hòu huǐ, 'to regret' an action), 遗憾 is not a verb and does not take an object.
noun
regret (a feeling of disappointment about something past)
adjective
regrettablesorry
Examples
- 遗憾。Wǒ duì zhège juédìng gǎndào yí hàn.I feel regret about this decision.
- 遗憾,。Hěn yí hàn, wǒ bù néng cānjiā nǐ de shēngrì pàiduì.I'm very sorry — I can't attend your birthday party.
- 遗憾!Zhè zhēn shì tài yí hàn le!This is really regrettable!
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