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B1 adjective #3,000 सबसे आम 5 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

惜しい

oshoi
At the A1 level, you can think of 'oshii' as a simple exclamation like 'Close!' or 'Almost!' You use it when playing games with friends. For example, if you are playing cards and almost win, you say 'Oshii!' It is a very useful word to react to what is happening around you without needing complex grammar. It is an 'i-adjective,' so you can just say it by itself. In A1, focus on the 'So close!' meaning in sports or games.
At the A2 level, you start using 'oshii' in short sentences. You can say 'Oshikatta desu' (It was close) to talk about something that happened in the past. You also learn that it can mean 'a pity' or 'a waste.' For example, if you see a nice cake that someone didn't finish, you might think it's 'oshii.' You can also use it with 'noda' or 'desu' to explain a situation, like 'Ato sukoshi datta node, oshikatta desu' (It was close because it was just a little more).
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'oshii' and 'zannen.' 'Oshii' implies a narrow margin. You use it to describe opportunities that were missed by a hair's breadth. You also begin to use it in more abstract ways, such as 'jikan ga oshii' (time is precious). You can use it to modify nouns, like 'oshii hito' (a person whose loss is regretted). This level requires you to use the word to express more complex social regrets.
At the B2 level, you can use 'oshii' to discuss social issues or professional potential. For example, describing a talented person who isn't given a chance as 'oshii.' You also understand the adverbial form 'oshimi-naku' (without regret/generously), which is often used in formal writing or speeches. You can distinguish between 'oshii' (the situation was close) and 'kuyashii' (I feel frustrated about the result). You use 'oshii' to provide nuanced feedback in a workplace.
At the C1 level, you master the literary and idiomatic uses of 'oshii.' You understand its role in classical Japanese literature (where it relates to 'oshimu') and how that influences modern usage. You can use it in complex sentence structures to express subtle reluctance or the high value of intangible things like reputation or honor ('na ga oshii'). You also recognize it in compound adjectives like 'nagori-oshii' and can use them appropriately in formal letters or literature.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'oshii.' You can use it to convey irony, deep philosophical regret, or to critique the efficiency of systems. You understand the historical shift of the word and can use it in any register, from slangy exclamations at a football match to profound eulogies. You can explain the cultural concept of 'beauty in the fleeting' which often underlies the use of 'oshii' in Japanese aesthetics and poetry.
इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

惜しい 30 सेकंड में

  • Oshii means 'so close' or 'regrettable' due to a narrow miss.
  • It is commonly used in sports and games to react to near-successes.
  • It also describes the waste of talent, time, or valuable objects.
  • Unlike 'zannen', it implies the outcome was almost achieved.

The Japanese word 惜しい (oshii) is a multifaceted i-adjective that captures a specific emotional state: the feeling of being 'almost there' or the sense that something valuable is being underutilized or lost. At its core, it describes a gap between the current reality and a slightly better, ideal outcome. When you say 惜しい, you are acknowledging that success was within reach, or that a resource is too good to be treated carelessly. It is the linguistic equivalent of a sigh when a ball hits the goalpost and bounces out.

The 'Close Call' Nuance
Used when you almost succeed but fail by a narrow margin. It conveys frustration mixed with a sense of 'so close!'
The 'Wasteful' Nuance
Used when someone with great talent is in a low-level job, or when a beautiful item is being thrown away. It differs from 'mottainai' by focusing more on the regret of the loss rather than the intrinsic value of the object.
The 'Reluctance' Nuance
Used when you are unwilling to part with something because it is precious to you.

「あと一点で合格だったのに、本当に惜しいことをした。」 (I was only one point away from passing; it was truly a pity.)

「彼は才能があるのに、こんな所で働いているのは惜しい。」 (He has talent, so it's a waste for him to be working in a place like this.)

Etymological Roots
The word stems from the concept of 'loving' or 'holding dear' (oshimu), which explains why losing it feels regrettable.

「この服を捨てるのは惜しい。」 (It's a pity to throw away these clothes.)

「惜しい！もう少しで勝てたのに！」 (So close! We could have won with just a little more!)

Using 惜しい correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as an i-adjective. It can modify nouns directly or function as the predicate of a sentence. Because it expresses a subjective feeling of regret, it is often paired with particles like なあ or ね to seek agreement from the listener.

As a Predicate
Sentence + 惜しい. Example: 「結果は惜しかった。」 (The result was close/regrettable.)
Modifying Nouns
惜しい + Noun. Example: 「惜しい人物を亡くした。」 (We lost a precious person/a person whose death is a great loss.)

「合格まであと一歩。本当に惜しい結果でした。」 (One step away from passing. It was a truly close result.)

When used in the context of 'waste,' it often follows a noun indicating the thing being wasted. For example, 時間が惜しい (Time is precious/I hate to waste time) or 命が惜しい (Life is precious/I don't want to die). This usage highlights the value of the object in question.

「寸前のところで逃げられるなんて、惜しいことをした。」 (To let them get away at the very last second, what a pity.)

Social Register
In formal settings, you might use 'oshimi-naku' (without stinting) to show generosity, which is the adverbial form of the related verb 'oshimu'.

「彼は惜しいチャンスを逃した。」 (He missed a golden opportunity.)

You will encounter 惜しい in a variety of high-stakes and casual environments. It is one of the most common exclamations in Japanese society because it perfectly encapsulates the 'almost' experience that occurs in daily life.

Sports Commentary
Commentators frequently shout 'Oshii!' when a shot narrowly misses or a play is just slightly off-timing.
Game Shows and Quizzes
If a contestant gives an answer that is nearly correct but technically wrong, the host will say 'Oshii!' to encourage them.
Business Contexts
When a deal falls through at the last minute or a project fails by a small margin, colleagues might console each other with 'Oshikatta desu ne.'

「あー、惜しい！今のシュート、入ると思ったのに！」 (Ah, so close! I thought that shot was going in!)

「その答え、惜しい！漢字が一文字違います。」 (That answer is so close! One kanji character is wrong.)

It is also heard in more somber contexts, such as funerals or retirement ceremonies, where people express that it is 'oshii' to lose such a valuable member of the community. This shows the word's range from lighthearted frustration to deep, respectful regret.

Learners often confuse 惜しい with similar words like 残念 (zannen) or もったいない (mottainai). While they overlap, the nuances are distinct.

Oshii vs. Zannen
'Zannen' is a general 'too bad.' 'Oshii' specifically implies that you were close to success. If you fail an exam by 50 points, it's 'zannen.' If you fail by 1 point, it's 'oshii.'
Oshii vs. Mottainai
'Mottainai' focuses on the waste of resources or the spirit of the object. 'Oshii' focuses on the emotional regret of the person losing the resource or opportunity.

「× 残念なことに、あと一歩だった。」 (Grammatically okay, but 'Oshii koto ni' is more natural for 'almost'.)

Another mistake is using 'oshii' to describe a person's character as 'stingy.' While the related verb 'oshimu' can mean to be stingy with money, the adjective 'oshii' usually refers to the situation or the value of the thing, not the personality of the individual.

「× 彼は惜しい人だ。」 (This means 'He is a precious person we hate to lose,' NOT 'He is a stingy person.')

To truly master 惜しい, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in intensity and context.

悔しい (Kuyashii)
This means 'frustrating' or 'vexing.' While 'oshii' describes the situation (it was close), 'kuyashii' describes the internal burning emotion of the person who failed.
勿体ない (Mottainai)
As mentioned, this is 'wasteful.' Use this for food waste or leaving the lights on. Use 'oshii' when a talented person's potential is wasted.
名残惜しい (Nagori-oshii)
A specific compound meaning 'reluctant to part.' Used when saying goodbye to friends or leaving a place you love.

「負けて悔しいけれど、試合内容は惜しかった。」 (I'm frustrated that we lost, but the match itself was very close.)

Other related terms include 不憫 (fubin) for pity toward others, though this is much more formal and less common in daily conversation than the versatile 'oshii'.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

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कठिनाई स्तर

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

惜しい！

So close!

Exclamatory use.

2

あ、惜しいですね。

Ah, that was close, wasn't it?

Adding 'desu ne' for politeness and agreement.

3

惜しい。あと少し。

Close. A little more.

Simple sentence structure.

4

テスト、惜しかった！

The test was so close!

Past tense of i-adjective.

5

惜しいチャンスでした。

It was a close chance.

Modifying a noun.

6

惜しいなあ。

Man, so close.

Casual particle 'naa'.

7

惜しいところで負けました。

We lost at a close point.

Using 'tokoro' to mean 'point/stage'.

8

惜しい！もう一回！

Close! One more time!

Imperative context.

1

この料理を捨てるのは惜しいです。

It's a pity to throw away this food.

Verb nominalizer 'no' + 'wa' + 'oshii'.

2

惜しいことに、雨で中止になった。

Regrettably, it was canceled due to rain.

Adverbial phrase 'Oshii koto ni'.

3

あと一歩で優勝だったのに、惜しかった。

We were one step from victory, it was a pity.

Using 'noni' to show contrast.

4

惜しいミスをしてしまいました。

I made a regrettable mistake.

Modifying 'misu' (mistake).

5

時間が惜しいので、急ぎましょう。

Time is precious, so let's hurry.

Using 'node' for reason.

6

彼は惜しい選手を引退させた。

He made a valuable player retire.

Causative context.

7

答えは惜しいけど、間違いです。

The answer is close, but wrong.

Contrastive 'kedo'.

8

惜しい試合でしたが、楽しかったです。

It was a close match, but it was fun.

Compound sentence.

1

彼は才能があるのに、使わないのは惜しい。

He has talent, so it's a waste not to use it.

Expressing waste of potential.

2

惜しい人物を亡くしてしまった。

We have lost a precious person.

Used for the death of someone valuable.

3

一分一秒が惜しい状況だ。

Every second is precious in this situation.

Emphasis on time.

4

惜しいところで虎口を脱した。

I narrowly escaped from the lion's mouth (danger).

Idiomatic 'tokoro' usage.

5

その才能を腐らせるのは惜しい。

It's a pity to let that talent go to waste.

Metaphorical 'waste'.

6

惜しいかな、彼はもうここにはいない。

Sadly, he is no longer here.

Formal 'kana' for regret.

7

もう少し安ければ買ったのに、惜しいなあ。

I would have bought it if it were cheaper; what a pity.

Conditional 'ba' + 'noni'.

8

惜しいことに、彼はその機会を逃した。

Regrettably, he missed that opportunity.

Sentence-starting adverbial.

1

寸暇を惜しんで勉強に励む。

To spare every spare moment to study hard.

Using the related verb 'oshimu' in a set phrase.

2

惜しい負け方だったが、次につながるはずだ。

It was a regrettable way to lose, but it should lead to the next step.

Abstract noun modification.

3

彼は惜しみなく知識を分け与えてくれる。

He shares his knowledge without stinting.

Adverbial 'oshimi-naku'.

4

このまま終わらせるのは、あまりにも惜しい。

It is far too regrettable to let it end like this.

Emphasis with 'amarini mo'.

5

惜しい人材が流出するのは国益に反する。

The brain drain of valuable talent is against national interest.

Formal/Political context.

6

命を惜しんで戦わないわけにはいかない。

I cannot afford not to fight out of fear for my life.

Double negative structure.

7

名残惜しいが、そろそろ失礼します。

I's hard to leave, but I must be going now.

Compound adjective 'nagori-oshii'.

8

惜しいところで逆転を許してしまった。

We allowed a comeback at the very last moment.

Sports strategy context.

1

古き良き伝統が廃れるのは、誠に惜しい限りだ。

It is truly regrettable that good old traditions are dying out.

Formal 'kagiri da' for emphasis.

2

彼は名声を惜しんで、不正には手を染めなかった。

Valuing his reputation, he did not involve himself in corruption.

Abstract value 'oshimu'.

3

惜しいかな、天才は若くしてこの世を去った。

Alas, the genius left this world at a young age.

Literary exclamation.

4

寸秒を惜しんで執筆に没頭する。

Grudging every second, he immersed himself in writing.

High-level time expression.

5

惜しむらくは、準備期間が短すぎたことだ。

The regrettable thing is that the preparation period was too short.

Archaic/Formal 'oshimuraku wa'.

6

その美貌を惜しんで、彼女は人前に出なくなった。

Cherishing her beauty (perhaps wanting to preserve it), she stopped appearing in public.

Subtle nuance of preservation.

7

惜しいところで画竜点睛を欠いてしまった。

He failed at the very end by missing the finishing touch.

Idiom 'garyu-tensei'.

8

自らの命を惜しまず、他者を救った。

Without begrudging his own life, he saved others.

Negative 'oshimu' for sacrifice.

1

万事惜しいところで、均衡が崩れ去った。

At a critical and delicate juncture, the balance collapsed.

Philosophical usage.

2

歴史の転換点において、惜しい判断ミスが重なった。

At the turning point of history, a series of regrettable errors in judgment occurred.

Historical analysis.

3

惜しめど惜しめど、過ぎ去った日々は戻らない。

No matter how much one regrets it, the past days will not return.

Poetic repetition.

4

その高潔な精神を惜しむ声が、国中に響き渡った。

Voices mourning that noble spirit echoed throughout the country.

High-level eulogy style.

5

惜しいかな、真理は常に手の届かぬところにある。

Alas, truth is always just out of reach.

Existential usage.

6

一縷の望みを惜しんで、彼は最後まで戦い抜いた。

Cherishing a sliver of hope, he fought to the very end.

Abstract emotional value.

7

惜しげもなく財産を投じ、社会貢献に尽くした。

He invested his fortune without the slightest regret for social contribution.

Compound 'oshige-mo-naku'.

8

美意識を惜しむあまり、彼は完成品を世に出さなかった。

Because he cherished his aesthetic sense too much, he never released the finished product.

Nuance of perfectionism.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

時間が惜しい (Time is precious)
命が惜しい (Life is precious)
惜しいミス (A close/regrettable mistake)
惜しい結果 (A close result)
惜しい人物 (A valuable person)
名残惜しい (Reluctant to part)
惜しみなく (Without stinting)
寸暇を惜しむ (To spare every moment)
惜しいところで (At a close point)
惜しいチャンス (A missed golden opportunity)

सामान्य वाक्यांश

惜しい！ (So close!)

惜しかったね。 (That was close, wasn't it?)

本当に惜しいことをした。 (I did something truly regrettable.)

一分が惜しい。 (Every minute counts.)

惜しいかな。 (Sadly...)

惜しむらくは。 (The pity is that...)

名残惜しいですが。 (I'm reluctant to leave, but...)

命が惜しければ。 (If you value your life...)

才能が惜しい。 (The talent is wasted.)

惜しいところで負ける。 (To lose by a narrow margin.)

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

惜しい vs 残念 (Zannen)

Zannen is 'too bad' (general); Oshii is 'so close' (narrow margin).

惜しい vs もったいない (Mottainai)

Mottainai is 'waste of resources'; Oshii is 'regret of loss/potential'.

惜しい vs 悔しい (Kuyashii)

Kuyashii is the 'frustration' you feel; Oshii is the 'closeness' of the situation.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

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आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

惜しい vs

惜しい vs

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

nuance

Focuses on the gap between 'almost' and 'success'.

formality

Can be very casual or very formal depending on conjugation and context.

सामान्य गलतियाँ
  • Using 'oshii' for a huge failure.
  • Using 'oshii' to mean 'I am sad'.
  • Confusing 'oshii' with 'oishii' (delicious).
  • Using it for a person's character (stingy).
  • Forgetting the 'i' in 'oshikatta'.

सुझाव

The 99% Rule

Use 'oshii' when someone reached 90-99% of the goal but failed at the last second.

Sympathy

In Japan, saying 'oshii' is a way to acknowledge the other person's hard work.

Past Tense

Don't forget to change it to 'oshikatta' when the event is already over.

Compound Words

Learn 'nagori-oshii' to sound more advanced in social situations.

Intonation

A rising intonation makes it sound like a cheer; a falling one sounds like a sigh.

Formal Writing

Use 'oshikumo' (regrettably) to start a sentence in a report.

Game Shows

Watch Japanese quiz shows to hear 'oshii' used for near-correct answers.

Oshii vs Mottainai

If you drop a diamond in the ocean, it's 'oshii'. If you leave the tap running, it's 'mottainai'.

Softening

Use 'oshii' to make criticism sound more like encouragement.

Visual

Imagine a 'narrow bridge' - you almost crossed, but fell at the end.

याद करें

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Old Japanese

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Used in formal eulogies to describe the loss of a great talent.

Relates to the 'Mottainai' spirit but focuses on the emotion of the observer.

Fans shout it constantly; it's considered polite encouragement.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"昨日の試合、惜しかったですね？ (Yesterday's game was close, wasn't it?)"

"このチャンスを逃すのは惜しくないですか？ (Don't you think it's a pity to miss this chance?)"

"惜しいところで失敗したことはありますか？ (Have you ever failed at a very close point?)"

"時間が惜しい時、どうしますか？ (What do you do when time is precious?)"

"最近、何か惜しいと思ったことは？ (Is there anything recently you thought was a pity?)"

डायरी विषय

Write about a time you were 'oshii' in a competition.

Describe a talent you have that you feel would be 'oshii' to waste.

Reflect on a 'nagori-oshii' (reluctant) goodbye you had to say.

Discuss why 'oshii' is a common reaction in Japanese culture.

List three things in your life that are 'oshii' (precious) to you.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

Yes, but it means the person is valuable and their loss or underuse is regrettable, not that the person is 'close' to something.

No, it's generally empathetic. However, saying it when someone failed miserably might sound sarcastic.

'Oshikatta' implies they almost won. 'Zannen datta' just means the result was bad.

Yes, in the form 'Oshikatta desu ne' to sympathize with a near-miss in business.

Use 'oshimi-naku'.

The verb 'oshimu' can mean to be stingy, but the adjective 'oshii' usually doesn't describe a person's personality that way.

Constantly, especially in sports or battle shonen when an attack barely misses.

It means feeling reluctant to part or leave a place/person.

Yes, if the food is so good that throwing it away feels like a crime.

It is an i-adjective.

खुद को परखो 180 सवाल

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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