English–Japanese

“heartrending” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajisetsunai

Example

この歌は切ないです。ko no uta wa setsu na i de su

This song is heartrending.

Illustration for 切ない (heartrending)

How to say “heartrending” in Japanese

“Heartrending” in Japanese is 切ない (setsunai).

Describes a poignant feeling in which longing or sadness makes the heart ache.

Full entry for 切ない: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 切ない

その手紙を読むと、切ない気持ちになります。so no te gami o yo mu to setsu na i ki mo chi ni na ri ma su

I feel a pang of sadness when I read that letter.

Tips for using 切ない

  • A song described as 切ない (setsunai) is not necessarily tragic, because the word can signal a tender ache caused by love, memory, or longing.

“heartrending” in other languages