あいにく

あいにく
adverb, na-adjective
unfortunately, unluckily
formaldescriptive
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

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)

Related Words

Compare: 折(おり)しも (just then)
general
Added 2026.1.9 20:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
01500/01679_ainiku