惜別(せきべつ)

A literary word expressing sorrow at parting. Composed of 惜(せき) (to regret, to feel reluctant) + 別(べつ) (separation). Used in formal writing, speeches, and literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.

Common collocations

• 惜別(せきべつ)の念(ねん): feelings of reluctant parting
• 惜別(せきべつ)の涙(なみだ): tears of farewell
• 惜別(せきべつ)の情(じょう): sentiments of parting
• 惜別(せきべつ)の会(かい): farewell gathering
• 惜別(せきべつ)の辞(じ): farewell words

Similar words

• 別(わか)れ: parting, farewell — the most common everyday word
• 送別(そうべつ): seeing someone off, farewell — focuses on the act of sending off (送別会(そうべつかい): farewell party)
• 離別(りべつ): separation, parting — more neutral; can imply permanent separation
• 告別(こくべつ): formal farewell — often used for funerals (告別式(こくべつしき): funeral ceremony)

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This is a literary and formal word. In everyday speech, 別(わか)れ or 別(わか)れを惜(お)しむ (to be reluctant to part) is more natural.