English–Japanese
“shame” in Japanese
How to say “shame” in Japanese
“Shame” in Japanese is 残念 (zannen). 残念 can also mean “a shame” and “too bad”.
Expresses that a hoped-for outcome has not happened and leaves a feeling of loss or regret.
Example sentences with 残念
一緒に遊べなくて残念です。is sho ni aso be na ku te zan nen de su
It is too bad that we cannot play together.
楽しみにしていた旅行が中止になって、残念でした。tano shi mi ni shi te i ta ryo kō ga chū shi ni na tte zan nen de shi ta
I was disappointed when the trip I had been looking forward to was canceled.
Tips for using 残念
- In conversation, 残念です (zannen desu) can state disappointment about a canceled plan without blaming anyone.
Other Japanese words for “shame”
もう少しで勝てたのに、惜しかったです。mō suko shi de ka te ta no ni o shi ka tta de su
It was too bad; we almost won.
約束を破るのは恥です。yaku soku o yabu ru no wa haji de su
Breaking a promise is shameful.