1.
with effort, at great pains
Indicating that something required considerable effort or trouble; often implying the effort may be wasted.
折角来たのに休みだった。
I came all this way but it was closed.
折角作った料理が冷めてしまった。
The food I took the trouble to make has gotten cold.
折角買ったのに、一度も使わなかった。
I went to the trouble of buying it, but never used it even once.
2.
specially, expressly
Going out of one's way to do something; taking special trouble.
折角来てくれたんだから、ゆっくりしていってね。
Since you came all this way, please take your time and relax.
折角ですから、いただきます。
Since you've gone to the trouble, I'll have some.
折角京都に来たのだから、神社を見に行こう。
Since we've come all the way to Kyoto, let's go see a shrine.
3.
long-awaited, rare opportunity
A rare or precious opportunity that shouldn't be wasted.
折角のチャンスだ。
It's a rare opportunity.
折角の休みだから出かけよう。
Since it's a precious day off, let's go out.
折角の機会なので、ぜひ参加してください。
Since it's such a rare opportunity, please do participate.
折角 expresses that effort has been made or an opportunity is special/rare. It often appears in two patterns:
1. EXPRESSING WASTED EFFORT:
折角〜のに (despite taking the trouble to...)
Implies disappointment when effort doesn't pay off.
2. EXPRESSING RARE OPPORTUNITY:
折角の〜だから (since it's such a rare ~)
Encourages making the most of a special chance.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 折角〜のに: even though I/you took the trouble to...
- 折角の機会: rare opportunity
- 折角ですから: since you've gone to the trouble (polite acceptance)