Japanese Conversation · Level 80
76 words
Japanese word
情けない
Pronunciation
Romajinasakenai
Meaning
- i-adjectivepitiful
Example
子犬が情けない声で鳴いています。ko inu ga nasa ke na i koe de na i te i ma su
The puppy is making a pitiful sound.
More examples
こんな簡単な問題も解けなくて、情けないです。ko n na kan tan na mon dai mo to ke na ku te nasa ke na i de su
I feel pathetic because I cannot solve such an easy problem.
Core concept
Describes a weak or inadequate state that makes something seem pitiable and reflects poorly on it.
Common phrases
情けない態度nasa ke na i tai do
shameful attitude
情けない言い訳nasa ke na i i i wake
pathetic excuse
情けない姿nasa ke na i sugata
pitiful appearance
Similar words
ふがいないfugainai: Describes someone who does not perform as well or act as responsibly as the situation requires.
みっともないmittomonai: Describes conduct or an appearance that seems shameful or lacking in dignity.
頼りないtayorinai: Describes a person or thing that does not seem strong, capable, or dependable.
弱々しいyowayowashii: Describes a voice, sound, or movement that appears faint and lacking in strength.
Definition in Japanese
同情を覚えるほど弱々しく、ふがいないさま。dō jō o obo e ru ho do yowa yowa shi ku fu ga i na i sa ma
Word origin
The adjective 情けない (nasakenai) combines 情け (nasake, "compassion") with ない (nai, "not having"), describing a condition so weak or inadequate that it invites pity.
Usage tips
- When 情けない (nasakenai) describes a voice or cry, it highlights weakness and evokes pity rather than physical pain.
Other meanings
- pathetici-adjective
- shamefuli-adjective
Opposites
- 立派なrippanaadmirablena-adjective
Related words
- 情けなさnasakenasapitifulnessnoun