Japanese Conversation · Level 120
60 words
Japanese word
切ない
Pronunciation
Romajisetsunai
Meaning
- i-adjectiveheartrending
Example
この歌は切ないです。ko no uta wa setsu na i de su
This song is heartrending.
More examples
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.
Core concept
Describes a poignant feeling in which longing or sadness makes the heart ache.
Common phrases
切ない気持ちsetsu na i ki mo chi
a heartrending feeling
切ない恋setsu na i koi
a poignant love
切ない思いsetsu na i omo i
heartrending feelings
Similar words
悲しいkanashii: Feeling sorrow in response to something painful or disappointing.
やるせないyarusenai: Feeling distressed because sadness or frustration has no clear outlet.
物悲しいmonoganashii: Expressing a gentle, quiet sadness rather than intense grief.
Definition in Japanese
悲しさや恋しさがこみ上げ、胸が苦しくなるようなさま。kana shi sa ya koi shi sa ga ko mi a ge mune ga kuru shi ku na ru yō na sa ma
Word origin
The native Japanese adjective 切ない (setsunai) developed from the older form せつなし (setsunashi), which meant "unbearable" or "distressing"; the exact historical change in form is not fully certain.
Usage tips
- 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.
Other meanings
- painfuli-adjective
- poignanti-adjective
Related words
- 切なさsetsunasaheartrending sadnessnoun