1.
parting with regret; reluctant farewell
The feeling of sadness and reluctance when saying goodbye to someone. A literary and formal word.
惜別の念を抱いた。
I felt the sadness of parting.
恩師との惜別の会が開かれた。
A farewell gathering for our mentor was held.
駅のホームで惜別の涙を流しながら、友人を見送った。
I saw my friend off at the station platform, shedding tears of reluctant farewell.
A literary word expressing sorrow at parting. Composed of 惜 (to regret, to feel reluctant) + 別 (separation). Used in formal writing, speeches, and literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 惜別の念: feelings of reluctant parting
- 惜別の涙: tears of farewell
- 惜別の情: sentiments of parting
- 惜別の会: farewell gathering
- 惜別の辞: farewell words
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 別れ: parting, farewell — the most common everyday word
- 送別: seeing someone off, farewell — focuses on the act of sending off (送別会: farewell party)
- 離別: separation, parting — more neutral; can imply permanent separation
- 告別: formal farewell — often used for funerals (告別式: funeral ceremony)
REGISTER:
This is a literary and formal word. In everyday speech, 別れ or 別れを惜しむ (to be reluctant to part) is more natural.