در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A polite way to say 'unfortunately' or 'it's a pity.'
- Used at the start of a sentence to soften bad news.
- Perfect for rejections, missed opportunities, or sold-out items.
معنی
This is a polite way to break bad news or express a sense of 'too bad.' It literally means 'the regrettable thing is...' and sets a soft, empathetic tone for the disappointment to follow.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Declining a party invitation
遗憾的是，我那天已经有安排了。
Unfortunately, I already have plans that day.
Business rejection email
遗憾的是，我们不能录用你。
Unfortunately, we are unable to hire you.
At a sold-out concert
遗憾的是，最后一张票刚刚卖掉了。
Unfortunately, the last ticket was just sold.
زمینه فرهنگی
This phrase reflects the Chinese value of 'mianzi' (face) by softening negative news. It historically stems from a literary tradition that emphasizes the beauty of tragic or missed opportunities. Today, it is the standard 'polite' way to deliver a rejection in both business and social circles.
The 'Face' Saver
If you need to say 'no' to a Chinese boss or elder, starting with this phrase shows you have high emotional intelligence (EQ).
Don't Overuse It
Using it for every minor inconvenience (like dropping a pen) makes you sound like a character in a tragic opera. Keep it for real disappointments.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A polite way to say 'unfortunately' or 'it's a pity.'
- Used at the start of a sentence to soften bad news.
- Perfect for rejections, missed opportunities, or sold-out items.
What It Means
遗憾的是... is your go-to phrase for expressing disappointment. It feels softer than a blunt 'no.' It implies that you wish things were different. Use it when you genuinely feel bad about a situation. It bridges the gap between your desire and reality.
How To Use It
Place it right at the start of your sentence. It acts like a buffer for the bad news. You can use it to decline invitations. You can use it to report a missed opportunity. It is usually followed by a full clause. For example, 遗憾的是，票卖完了 (Unfortunately, the tickets are sold out). It sounds polished and thoughtful.
When To Use It
Use it in professional emails to decline a candidate. Use it with friends when you can't make their party. It works great when a restaurant runs out of your favorite dish. Use it when you miss a flight or a deadline. It shows you care about the outcome. It is perfect for those 'almost but not quite' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, trivial things. If you forgot to buy milk, just say 不好意思 (sorry). Using 遗憾的是... for a missing sock sounds overly dramatic. Avoid it in very high-stakes life-or-death apologies. In those cases, a direct 对不起 (I'm sorry) is better. It shouldn't sound sarcastic unless you are with very close friends.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values 'saving face' and indirectness. Saying a flat 'no' can feel harsh or aggressive. 遗憾的是... allows you to maintain harmony. It suggests that external factors are to blame, not your lack of will. It reflects a certain poetic sadness common in Chinese literature. It’s about acknowledging the 'imperfection' of the moment.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more formal, use 令人遗憾的是.... For a shorter, punchier version, try 可惜的是.... 可惜 (kěxī) is more common in casual speech. If you are writing a formal speech, 深感遗憾 (deeply regret) is the heavy hitter. Stick to 遗憾的是... for your daily 'unfortunate' needs.
نکات کاربردی
This is a neutral-to-formal expression. It is the safest 'polite' choice for B2 learners to use in business or social settings when delivering bad news without sounding rude.
The 'Face' Saver
If you need to say 'no' to a Chinese boss or elder, starting with this phrase shows you have high emotional intelligence (EQ).
Don't Overuse It
Using it for every minor inconvenience (like dropping a pen) makes you sound like a character in a tragic opera. Keep it for real disappointments.
The 'But' is Silent
Often, you don't even need to say 'but' (但是) after this phrase because the 'regret' already implies the contrast.
مثالها
6遗憾的是，我那天已经有安排了。
Unfortunately, I already have plans that day.
Softens the rejection so the host doesn't feel hurt.
遗憾的是，我们不能录用你。
Unfortunately, we are unable to hire you.
Professional and standard for HR communications.
遗憾的是，最后一张票刚刚卖掉了。
Unfortunately, the last ticket was just sold.
Expresses shared disappointment between the staff and customer.
遗憾的是，我没赶上那班飞机。
Unfortunately, I didn't catch that flight.
Used to explain a frustrating situation to someone else.
遗憾的是，我的钱包并不支持我的梦想。
Unfortunately, my wallet doesn't support my dreams.
A self-deprecating way to joke about being broke.
遗憾的是，明天下雨，我们不能去野餐了。
Unfortunately, it's raining tomorrow, so we can't go on a picnic.
Blames the weather for the change of plans.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a polite rejection.
___，这件衣服没有你的号码了。
Since the sentence says the clothes are out of stock, '遗憾的是' provides the necessary 'unfortunately' context.
Which phrase makes this professional email sound more empathetic?
___，我们的会议取消了。
'遗憾的是' is the standard professional way to announce a cancellation.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Spectrum of 'Unfortunately'
Used with friends for small things.
可惜...
The sweet spot for most situations.
遗憾的是...
Official announcements or speeches.
令人遗憾的是...
Deep regret in high-level contexts.
深感遗憾
Where to use 遗憾的是...
Declining an invite
Can't make the wedding.
Customer Service
Item out of stock.
Missed Chance
Missed the train.
Bad News
The event is canceled.
بانک تمرین
2 تمرینها___，这件衣服没有你的号码了。
Since the sentence says the clothes are out of stock, '遗憾的是' provides the necessary 'unfortunately' context.
___，我们的会议取消了。
'遗憾的是' is the standard professional way to announce a cancellation.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNot quite. 对不起 is a direct apology for a mistake you made. 遗憾的是 expresses that a situation is unfortunate, even if it's not your fault.
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. For a closer vibe, you might just say 可惜... (kěxī).
Almost always at the very beginning, followed by a comma. Example: 遗憾的是，我没去成。
It's used in both! It's very common in written emails and polite spoken conversation.
遗憾 is more formal and focuses on the feeling of regret. 可惜 is more casual and focuses on the waste of a good opportunity.
Yes, that means 'I am very regretful' or 'I am sorry to hear that.' It's often used when someone shares bad news with you.
It might sound a bit cold or 'corporate.' In emotional breakups, people usually use more personal language.
You can say 终生遗憾 (a lifelong regret). But use that sparingly!
When starting a sentence to say 'Unfortunately...', yes, the 的是 makes it a complete introductory phrase.
Yes, if you are predicting a negative outcome, like 遗憾的是，他可能不会来了。
عبارات مرتبط
可惜的是... (It's a pity that...)
很不凑巧 (As luck would have it / Unluckily)
真遗憾 (What a shame)
令人失望的是 (Disappointingly...)
没办法 (Nothing can be done)
