可惜
kě xī HSK 4

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

可惜今天下雨了。
Kěxī jīntiān xià yǔ le.
It's a pity that it's raining today.
他没来,真可惜。
Tā méi lái, zhēn kěxī.
He didn't come, what a pity.
可惜电影票卖完了。
Kěxī diànyǐng piào mài wán le.
Regrettably, the movie tickets are sold out.
真可惜,下雨了。
Zhēn kěxī, xià yǔ le.
It's a pity, it's raining.
可惜他走了。
Kěxī tā zǒu le.
Unfortunately, he left.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 可 (kě) means 'can' or 'may,' and 惜 (xī) means 'cherish' or 'value.' Think: 'It can be cherished (but isn't happening)' → a pity. Associate with sighing 'Ah, what a shame!'

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written Chinese, across formal and informal contexts. Common when expressing personal regret about missing events, wasted potential, or unfortunate outcomes. Often appears with 很/真/太 (e.g., 很可惜) to emphasize the feeling.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as an adverbial comment at the start or middle of a sentence (e.g., 可惜...). Can follow verbs like 觉得/感到 (feel it's a pity). Structure: Subject + 很/真 + 可惜 + [unfortunate situation]. Also used standalone as an exclamation: '可惜!'

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a common cultural tendency to express modest regret politely, especially when declining invitations or acknowledging missed chances. Using it shows empathy and shared understanding of misfortune.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 遗憾 (yíhàn), which is more formal and often deeper/longer-term regret (e.g., life regrets), 可惜 is more immediate and casual for everyday disappointments. 可怜 (kělián) means 'pitiful' or 'poor' (sympathy for someone), not regret about situations.

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