1.
frustrating, vexing
Feeling upset about failure or unfairness.
負けて悔しい。
I'm frustrated about losing.
悔しくて泣いた。
I cried out of frustration.
試合に負けて悔しい思いをした。
I felt frustrated after losing the match.
2.
regrettable, mortifying
Causing a sense of remorse or chagrin.
悔しい結果だ。
It's a regrettable result.
もっと勉強すればよかったと悔しい。
I regret not having studied more.
あの時言い返せなかったのが悔しい。
I regret not being able to talk back at that time.
悔しい is an i-adjective expressing frustration, especially over defeat, failure, or unfair situations.
FORMS:
- Adverbial: 悔しく
- Te-form: 悔しくて
- Noun form: 悔しさ (frustration)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 悔しい思いをする: to feel frustrated
- 悔しくて泣く: to cry from frustration
- 悔しさをバネにする: to use frustration as motivation
USAGE:
Often used in competitive contexts (sports, games, exams). The feeling can be a positive motivator to try harder next time.
RELATED WORDS:
- 悔やむ: to regret (verb)
- 悔い: regret, remorse (noun)
- 残念: disappointing, unfortunate