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.
あいにくの雨でした。
Unfortunately, it was raining.
あいにくの + noun pattern
あいにく、今日は予定があります。
Unfortunately, I have plans today.
Polite refusal
あいにく担当者が外出しておりますので、後ほどおかけ直しいただけますか。
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 (unfortunate weather)
- あいにく留守にしておりました (unfortunately I was out)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 残念ながら: regrettably (formal)
- あいにく: unfortunately (often for specific circumstances)
- 生憎: same word, kanji form (rare)
[Register: Polite/Formal]