遺 憾(いかん)

いかん

na-adjective, noun

regrettable, deplorable (formal)

1. regrettable, unfortunate, deplorable

Expressing that something is disappointing, unsatisfactory, or falls short of expectations. Commonly used in formal statements and official apologies.

今回(こんかい)の事態(じたい)は誠(まこと)に遺憾(いかん)である。

This situation is truly regrettable.

遺憾(いかん)ながら、ご期待(きたい)に添(そ)えませんでした。

Regrettably, we were unable to meet your expectations.

政府(せいふ)は遺憾(いかん)の意(い)を表明(ひょうめい)した。

The government expressed its regret.

遺憾(いかん)に思(おも)う。

I find it regrettable.

Register: Highly formal. Used in official statements, diplomatic language, and formal apologies. Rarely used in everyday conversation.

Common expressions

遺憾(いかん)に思(おも)う (find regrettable)
遺憾(いかん)の意(い)を表明(ひょうめい)する (express regret)
遺憾(いかん)ながら (regrettably)
誠(まこと)に遺憾(いかん) (truly regrettable)
遺憾(いかん)なく発揮(はっき)する (demonstrate fully, without reservation)

NOTE ON 遺憾(いかん)なく: This phrase means 'fully, completely' and comes from '(regret) nothing is left out.' 実力(じつりょく)を遺憾(いかん)なく発揮(はっき)する (fully demonstrate one's ability).

Diplomatic use: In Japanese diplomatic and political language, 遺憾(いかん) is often used as a measured response that expresses dissatisfaction without being as strong as an outright condemnation.

Related Words

Compare: 残念(ざんねん) (regrettable (everyday))

general

Added 2026.1.18 16:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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