あいにく

あいにく

adverb, na-adjective

unfortunately, unluckily

1. unfortunately, unluckily

Expresses regret that circumstances are unfavorable or that something didn't work out as hoped.

あいにくの雨(あめ)でした。

Unfortunately, it was raining.

あいにくの + noun pattern

あいにく、今日(きょう)は予定(よてい)があります。

Unfortunately, I have plans today.

Polite refusal

あいにく担当者(たんとうしゃ)が外出(がいしゅつ)しておりますので、後(あと)ほどおかけ直(なお)しいただけますか。

Unfortunately the person in charge is out, so could you call back later?

あいにく expresses that something is unfortunate or inconvenient.

USAGE:

As adverb: あいにく + clause
As na-adjective: あいにくの + noun (unfortunate ~)

COMMON PATTERNS:

あいにくの天気(てんき) (unfortunate weather)
あいにく留守(るす)にしておりました (unfortunately I was out)

SIMILAR WORDS:

残念(ざんねん)ながら: regrettably (formal)
あいにく: unfortunately (often for specific circumstances)
生憎(あいにく): same word, kanji form (rare)

general

Added 2026.1.9 20:57 · Revised 2026.6.11 2:34

01500/01679_ainiku