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後悔する

B1 verb #4,000 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

後悔する

kokai suru 상위 4,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 後悔する 30초 만에

설명 後悔する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '後悔する' (koukai suru) very often. Instead, you usually express regret by saying '残念です' (zannen desu - it's a pity) or by using the simple past negative like '〜しませんでした' (I didn't do...). However, it's good to recognize 'koukai' as a word for 'feeling bad about something you did.' You might hear it in simple songs or see it in very basic stories. At this stage, focus on the idea that 'koukai' means 'I wish I didn't do that.' You can think of it as the 'sad face' emoji for your own actions. If you forget the word, you can always say 'I'm sorry' (gomen nasai) or 'It's a mistake' (machigai desu). Learning this word early helps you understand that Japanese has specific words for different types of 'bad feelings.' Just remember: 'koukai' is for things YOU did. If you are sad about the weather, use 'zannen.' If you are sad because you ate all the cookies, you can say 'koukai'!

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At the A2 level, you can start using '後悔する' (koukai suru) in simple sentences to talk about your daily life. You might use it to talk about buying something expensive or eating too much. A common pattern is 'Verb-ta koto wo koukai shimasu' (I regret that I did [verb]). For example, 'Tabeta koto wo koukai shite imasu' (I am regretting that I ate). This is a great way to add more emotion to your Japanese. You also start to learn the grammar '〜てしまいました' (te shimaimashita), which often goes hand-in-hand with regret. While 'te shimaimashita' means you did something by accident, 'koukai suru' is the feeling you have afterward. You should also learn the negative form 'koukai shinai' (don't regret), which is often used as a goal. 'Koukai shinai you ni, benkyou shimasu' (I will study so that I don't regret it). This level is all about connecting the word to your own experiences.

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At the B1 level, '後悔する' (koukai suru) becomes a very important word for expressing your opinions and life stories. You should be able to use it with more complex grammar, like the conditional '〜ばよかった' (I wish I had...). For example, 'Motto benkyou sureba yokatta to koukai shite iru' (I regret that I should have studied more). This is the level where you distinguish between 'koukai' (regret) and 'hansei' (reflection). You should understand that 'koukai' is the feeling of sorrow, while 'hansei' is the act of looking back to improve. You will hear 'koukai' in dramas, movies, and interviews. It's often used when talking about career choices, relationships, and major life events. You should also be comfortable using the noun form 'koukai' with particles, such as 'koukai no nai jinsei' (a life without regrets). This word helps you move from basic descriptions to deeper, more personal conversations.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of '後悔する' (koukai suru) and its synonyms. You can use it to talk about abstract concepts and social issues. You might use it in a debate, saying 'Kono kettei wa koukai suru koto ni naru deshou' (This decision will likely end up being regretted). You should also be familiar with the proverb 'Koukai saki ni tatazu' (Regret doesn't come first/No use crying over spilled milk) and be able to use it in conversation to give advice. At this level, you can modify the verb with various adverbs to show intensity: 'fukaku koukai suru' (deeply regret), 'hageshiku koukai suru' (intensely regret), or 'ima sara koukai shitemo osoi' (it's too late to regret it now). You should also understand how 'koukai' differs from 'kuyamu' (to mourn/deeply regret) and 'oshimum' (to begrudge/value). Your usage should feel natural and appropriately weighted for the situation.

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At the C1 level, you use '後悔する' (koukai suru) with precision in both spoken and written Japanese. You can analyze the psychological aspects of regret in literature or academic discussions. You understand the historical and cultural background of the word, including its kanji components. You can use the word in formal speeches or high-level business negotiations, where you might use the humble form 'koukai shite orimasu' to acknowledge a strategic error. You are also aware of literary terms like 'kaikon' (remorse) and can explain the subtle differences between 'koukai' and 'kaikon' in a text. Your ability to use 'koukai' in a variety of registers—from slangy casual talk to high-level formal prose—shows a deep command of the language. You can also use the word metaphorically or in complex sentence structures that involve multiple layers of time and emotion, such as 'Koukai suru koto sura dekinai hodo no shippai' (A failure so great that one cannot even regret it).

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At the C2 level, your understanding of '後悔する' (koukai suru) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can discuss the philosophical implications of regret in Japanese thought, perhaps linking it to the concept of 'mono no aware' or the transience of life. You can use the word in sophisticated wordplay, puns, or classical literary references. You are perfectly comfortable navigating the homophones (後悔, 公開, 航海) in any context. In writing, you can use 'koukai' to evoke specific moods, choosing it over synonyms to create a particular rhythmic or emotional effect. You can also critique the use of the word in media, noting when it is used as a cliché versus when it is used with genuine depth. At this level, 'koukai suru' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for nuanced, artistic, and highly sophisticated communication. You can even use it in the context of 'koukai sareru' (to be made public) and 'koukai suru' (to regret) in the same sentence to create a clever double meaning.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

後悔する 30초 만에

後悔する (koukai suru) means 'to regret' and is a suru-verb used for personal actions.
It is often used with '~ba yokatta' (I wish I had) to express what should have been.
Distinct from 'zannen' (unfortunate), which is for things outside of your own control.
Common in daily life, media, and literature to describe learning from past mistakes.

The Japanese verb 後悔する (koukai suru) is a profound and frequently used expression that translates to "to regret." While the English word "regret" can sometimes feel formal, in Japanese, koukai suru covers a vast spectrum of human emotion, ranging from the trivial—like ordering the wrong dish at a restaurant—to the life-altering, such as choosing the wrong career path or failing to tell someone how you truly feel before they depart. It is a compound verb consisting of the kanji 後 (after/behind) and 悔 (regret/repent). Literally, it describes the feeling of looking back and wishing things were different. This word is essential for B1 learners because it allows for the expression of complex personal narratives and the discussion of past mistakes, which is a key component of natural conversation. Unlike the word zannen (disappointing), which often describes external circumstances, koukai suru focuses on internal agency—the feeling that you did something (or failed to do something) that you now wish to change. In Japanese culture, the concept of reflection (hansei) is highly valued, and koukai suru serves as the emotional bridge to that reflection. It captures the heavy, lingering weight of the 'what ifs' that haunt the human mind.

Core Nuance: The internal emotional pain resulting from one's own past actions or inactions.

もっと勉強しておけばよかったと、今になって後悔する。(I regret now that I should have studied more.)

In daily life, you will hear this word used in various contexts. For instance, after a long night of drinking, someone might say, "Kinou wa nomi-sugite koukai shite iru" (I'm regretting drinking too much yesterday). In more serious literature or dramas, a character might lament, "Isshou koukai suru koto ni naru" (I will end up regretting this for the rest of my life). The verb is often paired with the grammar pattern ~te shimau to emphasize the unintended or unfortunate nature of the regret, as in koukai shite shimatta. It is also frequently found in the negative form, koukai shinai, as a motivational phrase: "Koukai shinai you ni ganbarou" (Let's work hard so we don't have regrets). This proactive use of the word highlights a cultural emphasis on living a life of intention to avoid the bitterness of looking back with sorrow. Understanding the weight of this word helps learners navigate social situations where expressing humility or personal growth is required.

Grammatical Category: Suru-verb (Group 3). Conjugates like any other suru-verb (koukai shimasu, koukai shita, koukai shinai).

あの時、彼に本当のことを言わなかったことをずっと後悔しています。(I have been regretting not telling him the truth at that time.)

The word also appears in many set phrases. One of the most famous is the proverb koukai saki ni tatazu, which means "regret never comes first" or "it's no use crying over spilled milk." This implies that no matter how much you regret something later, you cannot change the past. This pragmatic view of regret is common in Japanese discourse. Furthermore, koukai suru is distinct from zannen because zannen is an adjective describing a situation, whereas koukai suru is an action of the heart. If your flight is canceled due to weather, that is zannen. If you missed your flight because you overslept, you koukai suru. This distinction is vital for sounding natural. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to express the depth of your experiences and the lessons you have learned from your mistakes.

Synonym Note: Kuyamu (悔やむ) is more emotional and often used for mourning or deep, lingering sorrow, while koukai suru is more common in daily speech for general regret.

人生に後悔はつきものだ。(Regret is a part of life.)

何もせずに後悔するより、やってみてから後悔したい。(I'd rather do it and regret it than do nothing and regret it.)

Using 後悔する (koukai suru) correctly requires an understanding of how to connect it to the action being regretted. The most common structure involves using the past tense of a verb followed by the nominalizer koto and the particle wo. For example, "I regret eating" becomes tabeta koto wo koukai suru. This structure clearly identifies the specific event that triggered the regret. Another common pattern is using the conditional form ~ba yokatta (I wish I had...) followed by to koukai suru. This adds a layer of "I should have done X" to the statement, making it more descriptive of the speaker's internal state. For instance, "I regret not buying it" can be expressed as kawanakereba yokatta to koukai shite iru. This versatility makes koukai suru a powerful tool for storytelling and personal expression.

Pattern 1: [Verb Past] + koto wo koukai suru: Focuses on the specific action. Example: 'Kanojo to wakareta koto wo koukai shite iru' (I regret breaking up with her).

あんなに高い車を買ったことを後悔している。(I regret buying such an expensive car.)

In formal settings, koukai suru is often used in the potential or passive forms to discuss broader organizational or social mistakes. For example, koukai sareru (to be regretted) might appear in a business report discussing a failed project. However, in most everyday interactions, the active form is used to express personal feelings. It is also important to note that koukai is a noun, and can be used with particles like ni or no. For example, koukai no nai jinsei means "a life without regrets." This is a common theme in Japanese graduation speeches and self-help books. When using the verb, the degree of regret can be modified with adverbs like hageshiku (intensely), fukaku (deeply), or sukoshi (a little). These modifiers allow the speaker to calibrate the intensity of their emotion accurately.

Pattern 2: [Verb-ba] + yokatta to koukai suru: Expresses regret through the lens of a missed opportunity. Example: 'Motto hayaku kureba yokatta to koukai shita' (I regretted that I should have come earlier).

正直に言えばよかったと、激しく後悔しました。(I deeply regretted that I should have told the truth.)

Furthermore, koukai suru can be used in the negative to express determination. Phrases like "koukai wa shitakunai" (I don't want to regret) or "koukai sasenai" (I won't make you regret) are common in romantic or professional commitments. In these cases, the word moves from describing a past feeling to setting a future intention. This shift is crucial for learners to recognize, as it changes the tone from lamentation to resolve. When speaking to superiors, use the polite form koukai shite orimasu to show a humble acknowledgment of a mistake. In casual conversation among friends, koukai shichatta is a softer, more natural way to admit a minor blunder. By varying the conjugation and the surrounding grammar, you can fit koukai suru into almost any social context.

Pattern 3: [Noun] + wo koukai suru: Directly regretting a choice or noun. Example: 'Sentaku wo koukai suru' (To regret a choice).

過去の決断を後悔しても、時間は戻らない。(Even if you regret past decisions, time won't go back.)

大学に行かなかったことを後悔したことは一度もありません。(I have never once regretted not going to university.)

In the real world, 後悔する (koukai suru) is a staple of Japanese emotional vocabulary. You will encounter it frequently in Japanese pop culture, particularly in music and television dramas. J-Pop lyrics often revolve around themes of unrequited love or past mistakes, where phrases like "koukai bakari no hibi" (days full of nothing but regret) appear to tug at the listener's heartstrings. In anime, protagonists often scream about their regrets before finding the strength to change their fate, or villains express a final moment of koukai before their defeat. This makes the word feel very dramatic, but it is equally at home in a mundane office setting. For instance, a colleague might mention, "Kono keiyaku, koukai suru koto ni naranai ka na?" (I wonder if we'll end up regretting this contract?), reflecting a cautious, risk-averse business culture.

Media Usage: Common in song titles and lyrics (e.g., 'Koukai no Uta') and dramatic dialogue in movies.

「あんなこと言わなきゃよかった」と、一人で後悔する夜がある。(There are nights when I regret all by myself, thinking 'I shouldn't have said that.')

Beyond entertainment, koukai suru is used in news reporting and documentaries. When a public figure makes a mistake, they might state in a press conference, "Fukaku koukai shite orimasu" (I am deeply regretting this), as part of a formal apology. In daily conversations, it is often used when discussing health and lifestyle choices. You'll hear Japanese people talk about koukai when they eat too much junk food, skip the gym, or stay up too late watching YouTube. It’s a word that bridges the gap between serious life philosophy and everyday human fallibility. If you're shopping with a friend and they're hesitant about a purchase, you might encourage them by saying, "Kawanai to koukai suru yo!" (You'll regret it if you don't buy it!). This usage shows that the word is not always heavy; it can be used lightheartedly to nudge someone toward a decision.

Common Context: Purchasing decisions, romantic relationships, career moves, and health habits.

ダイエット中なのにケーキを食べてしまい、今後悔しています。(I ate cake even though I'm on a diet, and now I regret it.)

In educational settings, teachers might use the word to motivate students. "Ima ganbaranaito, shiken no ato de koukai suru koto ni narimasu" (If you don't work hard now, you will end up regretting it after the exam). This highlights the role of koukai as a cautionary concept in Japanese society. It is also a key word in literature, where internal monologues often dwell on koukai to build character depth. Whether it's a high-stakes legal drama or a simple chat about lunch, koukai suru is the go-to verb for expressing that universal human feeling of wishing the past could be undone. By paying attention to how native speakers use it, you'll notice it's often followed by a resolution to do better next time, connecting the regret to the positive concept of kaizen (continuous improvement).

Nuance Check: Unlike 'regret' in English which can be a formal polite expression (e.g., 'We regret to inform you'), koukai suru is almost always about genuine emotional feeling.

彼は自分の人生を後悔することなく、安らかに眠りについた。(He fell into a peaceful sleep without regretting his life.)

「もっと遊んでおけばよかった」と後悔する社会人は多い。(Many working adults regret that they 'should have played more.')

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 後悔する (koukai suru) is using it to translate the formal "regret" used in business correspondence. In English, you might say, "We regret to inform you that your application was denied." In Japanese, using koukai suru here would sound incredibly strange and overly personal, as if the company is having an emotional breakdown over your application. Instead, formal Japanese uses phrases like zannen nagara (unfortunately) or moushiwake gozaimasen ga (we are terribly sorry but). Koukai suru is strictly for the emotional feeling of regret, not for formal politeness. Another common error is confusing koukai suru with zannen. Remember: zannen is an adjective for a situation you can't control, while koukai suru is a verb for something you feel you could have controlled.

Mistake 1: Formal Notification: Don't use it for 'We regret to inform you.' Use 'Zannen nagara...' or 'Ainuite...' instead.

❌ 採用できないことを後悔します。
✅ 残念ながら、今回は採用を見送らせていただきます。(Unfortunately, we will pass on hiring you this time.)

Another mistake involves the particle usage. Some learners try to use koukai suru like ayamaru (to apologize) and use the particle ni for the person they are apologizing to. However, koukai suru is an internal feeling. You don't "regret to someone"; you regret an action. If you want to say you feel bad toward someone, you should use moushiwake nai or moushiwakenaku omou. Additionally, learners sometimes forget to use the past tense of the verb when describing the action they regret. It’s not "I regret to go," but "I regret that I went" (itta koto wo koukai suru). Using the present tense makes the sentence grammatically awkward and confusing for native speakers. Mastering the [Past Verb] + koto wo structure is the best way to avoid this.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Zannen': Zannen = 'It's a pity (external).' Koukai = 'I regret (internal).'

❌ 雨が降ったことを後悔している。
✅ 雨が降って残念だ。(It's a pity it rained. You didn't cause the rain, so you can't regret it!)

Finally, be careful with the intensity. Since koukai suru is a strong word, using it for very minor things might sound a bit melodramatic unless you are being intentionally funny. For example, saying "I deeply regret buying this 100-yen pen" might get a laugh, but if you're serious, it sounds like you have very high stakes for stationery. In those cases, a simple "shippai shita" (I messed up) or "kawanakya yokatta" (I shouldn't have bought it) is more natural. Also, don't confuse koukai (後悔) with koukai (公開 - public/open to the public) or koukai (航海 - voyage). They are homophones but have completely different kanji and meanings. Context usually makes it clear, but in writing, the kanji is essential.

Mistake 3: Homophones: 後悔 (Regret) vs. 公開 (Public) vs. 航海 (Voyage). Watch your kanji!

❌ 映画が後悔される。
✅ 映画が公開される。(The movie is released/made public.)

❌ 太平洋を後悔する。
✅ 太平洋を航海する。(To sail across the Pacific.)

While 後悔する (koukai suru) is the most common way to say "regret," Japanese has several other words that capture similar feelings with different nuances. Understanding these can help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most closely related verb is kuyamu (悔やむ). While koukai suru is often used for specific decisions, kuyamu is more emotional and lingering. It is often used in the context of mourning (okuyami) or deep, soulful regret that you can't stop thinking about. If koukai is a sharp pain from a mistake, kuyamu is the long ache that follows. Another important alternative is hansei suru (反省する). While koukai is purely about the negative feeling, hansei is about reflecting on the mistake to learn from it. In Japanese schools and companies, hansei is seen as a positive, necessary step toward improvement.

Comparison: Koukai vs. Hansei: Koukai focuses on the 'bad feeling' of the past. Hansei focuses on 'learning' for the future.

後悔するだけじゃなくて、しっかり反省しなさい。(Don't just regret it; reflect and learn from it properly.)

For more casual situations, you might use zannen (残念) or oshimum (惜しむ). As mentioned before, zannen is for disappointment about things outside your control. Oshimum, on the other hand, means to "begrudge" or "value something too much to let it go." For example, wakare wo oshimum means to be reluctant to part ways. It’s a form of regret, but more about the loss of something good rather than the guilt of a bad action. If you want to express a lighter "I messed up" feeling, shippai shita (I failed/messed up) is often used where an English speaker might say "I regret." For example, if you overcook dinner, you'd say shippai shita! rather than koukai shite iru. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to emphasize the guilt, the lesson, the disappointment, or the loss.

Comparison: Koukai vs. Kuyamu: Koukai is intellectual/action-based. Kuyamu is emotional/feeling-based.

悔やんでも悔やみきれない。(I can't regret it enough / My heart is broken with regret.)

Finally, in literary or very formal contexts, you might see kaikon (悔恨), which means "remorse." This is a much heavier word than koukai and is usually reserved for serious moral failings or tragic life stories. For most B1 and B2 level conversations, koukai suru is your most versatile and reliable word. It covers about 90% of the situations where you'd want to express regret. By learning these alternatives, you don't just expand your vocabulary; you gain a better understanding of the Japanese emotional landscape, which values the distinction between self-blame, self-improvement, and simple disappointment. This cultural literacy is just as important as the grammar itself.

Comparison Table

後悔 (Koukai): General regret for actions.
反省 (Hansei): Constructive reflection.
悔やむ (Kuyamu): Deep emotional sorrow/mourning.
残念 (Zannen): External disappointment.
失敗 (Shippai): A mistake or failure.

過ぎたことを悔やむより、次をどうするか考えよう。(Instead of mourning what's passed, let's think about what to do next.)

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The second kanji 悔 (regret) is also the root for the adjective 'kuyashii' (frustrating). This shows that in Japanese thought, regret and frustration are closely linked.

발음 가이드

UK koʊkaɪ sɯɾɯ

US koʊkaɪ suːruː

The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Flat). This means the pitch starts low and stays high through the rest of the word: ko-UKAI-SURU.

라임이 맞는 단어

Shoukai (Introduction) Koukai (Public) Koukai (Voyage) Houkai (Collapse) Soukai (Refreshing) Goukai (Exciting) Choukai (Discipline) Toukai (Collapse of a building)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'kou' as a short 'ko'. It must be a long vowel.
Using an English 'r' for 'suru'. Use a light tongue tap instead.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Failing to distinguish the 'i' in 'kai' as a separate vowel sound.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'atama-daka' (initial high pitch).

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are common but require attention to the radicals.

쓰기 4/5

Writing '悔' can be tricky for beginners due to the number of strokes.

말하기 2/5

The word is easy to pronounce and fits into many common sentence patterns.

듣기 3/5

Must distinguish from homophones like 'koukai' (public) in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

残念 (zannen) 失敗 (shippai) する (suru) 後 (ato) 心 (kokoro)

다음에 배울 것

反省する (hansei suru) 悔やむ (kuyamu) 〜ばよかった (ba yokatta) 〜てしまう (te shimau) 恩返し (ongaeshi)

고급

悔恨 (kaikon) 自責 (jiseki) 慙愧 (zanki) 痛恨 (tsuukon) 懺悔 (zange)

알아야 할 문법

〜ばよかった

もっと勉強すればよかったと後悔しています。

〜たことを後悔する

彼にあんなことを言ったことを後悔した。

〜てしまう

うっかり秘密を話してしまい、後悔している。

〜ないように

後悔しないように、全力で準備します。

〜ても遅い

今さら後悔しても遅いですよ。

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수준별 예문

昨日、たくさん食べて後悔しました。

I regretted eating a lot yesterday.

Simple past tense: koukai shimashita.

後悔したくないです。

I don't want to regret it.

Negative desire: koukai shitaku nai.

あの本を買って、後悔しました。

I bought that book and regretted it.

Verb-te + koukai shimashita.

後悔するよ！

You'll regret it!

Plain form for warning.

後悔はありますか？

Do you have any regrets?

Noun form: koukai.

全然、後悔していません。

I don't regret it at all.

Te-iru negative form.

後悔する前に、考えましょう。

Let's think before we regret it.

Before pattern: [Verb] mae ni.

後悔はダメです。

Regret is no good.

Simple noun usage.

宿題をしなかったことを後悔しています。

I am regretting that I didn't do my homework.

Verb-nai koto wo koukai suru.

もっと早く寝ればよかったと後悔しました。

I regretted that I should have gone to bed earlier.

~ba yokatta (wish I had).

高い靴を買ったけど、後悔していない。

I bought expensive shoes, but I don't regret it.

Concessive 'kedo' (but).

後悔しないように頑張ります。

I will do my best so that I don't regret it.

Purpose pattern: ~nai you ni.

彼はその決断を後悔するでしょう。

He will probably regret that decision.

Probability: ~deshou.

後悔しても、もう遅いです。

Even if you regret it, it's already too late.

Even if: ~temo.

嘘をついたことを後悔した。

I regretted telling a lie.

Past action nominalization.

後悔のないように、全部食べよう！

Let's eat everything so there are no regrets!

Noun modification: koukai no nai.

留学しなかったことを一生後悔するかもしれない。

I might regret not studying abroad for the rest of my life.

Isshou (for a lifetime) + kamoshirenai.

あの時、彼に謝ればよかったと激しく後悔した。

I intensely regretted that I should have apologized to him then.

Adverb 'hageshiku' (intensely).

後悔先に立たずという言葉を知っていますか？

Do you know the saying 'Regret doesn't come first'?

Proverb usage.

自分の選択を後悔したことは一度もありません。

I have never once regretted my own choice.

Koto ga aru (experience) pattern.

後悔するくらいなら、最初からやらないほうがいい。

If you're going to regret it, you shouldn't do it from the start.

~kurai nara (if it's to the extent of...).

彼女に本当の気持ちを言わなかったことを後悔している。

I regret not telling her my true feelings.

Negative nominalization.

後悔のない人生を送りたいと思っています。

I want to lead a life without regrets.

Noun + no nai + Noun.

今さら後悔しても、時間は戻りません。

Even if you regret it now, time won't go back.

Imasara (now, after all this time).

そんな無責任な発言をしたことを深く後悔しております。

I deeply regret having made such an irresponsible remark.

Humble form: koukai shite orimasu.

後悔の念に駆られ、彼は夜も眠れなかった。

Driven by feelings of regret, he couldn't even sleep at night.

Koukai no nen (feelings of regret).

一時の感情で動くと、後で後悔することになりますよ。

If you act on momentary emotion, you will end up regretting it later.

Koto ni naru (end up...ing).

過去を後悔するよりも、未来のために何ができるか考えよう。

Rather than regretting the past, let's think about what we can do for the future.

~yori mo (rather than).

彼は自分の犯した罪を一生後悔し続けるだろう。

He will probably continue to regret the crime he committed for his whole life.

V-tsuzukeru (continue doing).

後悔のないように、全力を尽くすことが大切だ。

It is important to do your best so that you have no regrets.

Zenryoku wo tsukusu (do one's best).

あの時、あきらめなければよかったと後悔の涙を流した。

I shed tears of regret, thinking I shouldn't have given up then.

Koukai no namida (tears of regret).

何事も経験だと思えば、後悔することなど何もない。

If you think of everything as an experience, there is nothing to regret.

~nado (things like).

若き日の過ちを後悔しつつも、彼は前を向いて生きてきた。

While regretting the mistakes of his youth, he has lived looking forward.

V-tsutsu mo (while doing...).

後悔の余地がないほど、完璧な計画だったはずなのだが。

It was supposed to be such a perfect plan that there was no room for regret, but...

Koukai no yochi (room for regret).

取り返しのつかないことをしてしまったと、激しい後悔に襲われた。

I was seized by intense regret, realizing I had done something irreversible.

Torikaeshi no tsukanai (irreversible).

後悔という言葉では言い表せないほどの、深い悲しみを感じた。

I felt a deep sadness that could not be expressed by the word 'regret'.

~dewa iiarawasenai (cannot be expressed by).

彼は、自らの選択が他者に与えた影響を深く後悔している。

He deeply regrets the impact his choices had on others.

Formal particle 'mizukara' (self).

後悔をバネにして、彼はさらなる高みを目指した。

Using regret as a springboard, he aimed for even greater heights.

Bane ni shite (using as a springboard/motivation).

死ぬ間際に後悔することだけはしたくない、と彼は語った。

He said that the one thing he didn't want to do was regret things on his deathbed.

Shinu magiwa (on the verge of death).

過去の栄光にすがり、現状を後悔するばかりの老人。

An old man who does nothing but cling to past glory and regret the present situation.

V-bakari (nothing but).

後悔の念が、澱のように彼の心の底に沈殿している。

Feelings of regret are sedimented at the bottom of his heart like dregs.

Metaphorical usage (ori/chinden).

彼は、自らの不明を後悔し、その責を負う覚悟を決めた。

He regretted his lack of insight and resolved to take responsibility for it.

Fumei (lack of insight/ignorance).

「後悔先に立たず」とは言うが、後悔こそが人間を人間たらしめるのではないか。

They say 'regret doesn't come first,' but isn't it regret itself that makes humans human?

Philosophical rhetorical question.

筆舌に尽くしがたい後悔の念が、彼の全身を貫いた。

A feeling of regret beyond description pierced through his entire body.

Hitsuzetsu ni tsukushigatai (indescribable).

後悔を抱えながら生きていくことも、一つの強さである。

Living while carrying regret is also a form of strength.

V-nagara (while).

歴史の転換点において、その決断が後悔の種となるとは誰も予想だにしなかった。

At that turning point in history, no one even dreamed that the decision would become a seed of regret.

Yosou da ni shinakatta (didn't even imagine).

後悔の迷宮に迷い込み、彼は出口を見失ってしまった。

Having wandered into a labyrinth of regret, he lost sight of the exit.

Meikyuu (labyrinth) metaphor.

過ぎ去りし日々を後悔する暇があるなら、一歩でも前へ進むべきだ。

If you have time to regret the days gone by, you should move forward even a single step.

Sugizarishi (past/gone by) - archaic/literary.

자주 쓰는 조합

激しく後悔する

深く後悔する

一生後悔する

後で後悔する

今さら後悔する

後悔の念

後悔の涙

決断を後悔する

過去を後悔する

全く後悔していない

자주 쓰는 구문

後悔先に立たず

— Regret doesn't come first. It means there's no use regretting something after it's done.

後悔先に立たず。次から気をつけよう。

後悔のないように

— So that there are no regrets. Often used as encouragement.

後悔のないように、最後まで頑張れ！

今さら後悔しても遅い

— It's too late to regret it now. Used when an outcome is already fixed.

今さら後悔しても遅い。もう終わったことだ。

後悔は一度もない

— I have never regretted it once. A strong expression of satisfaction.

この仕事を選んで、後悔は一度もない。

一生の後悔

— A lifelong regret. Something you will regret forever.

あれは私にとって一生の後悔です。

後悔させない

— I won't make you regret it. A common promise in business or romance.

私を選んでください。絶対に後悔させません。

後悔するくらいなら

— If you're going to regret it... Used to suggest a better alternative.

後悔するくらいなら、最初から断るべきだ。

後悔の余地

— Room for regret. Often used in the negative to mean 'no room for doubt'.

その計画には後悔の余地がなかった。

後悔の種

— The seed of regret. Something that will cause regret later.

不摂生は後悔の種になる。

後悔の念にさいなまれる

— To be tormented by feelings of regret. Very strong and emotional.

彼は毎晩、後悔の念にさいなまれていた。

자주 혼동되는 단어

後悔する vs 残念 (zannen)

Zannen is for external disappointment; koukai is for personal regret.

後悔する vs 反省 (hansei)

Hansei is constructive reflection; koukai is the emotional feeling of regret.

後悔する vs 悔やむ (kuyamu)

Kuyamu is more emotional/mournful; koukai is more action-oriented.

관용어 및 표현

"後悔先に立たず"

— No use crying over spilled milk. Literally, 'regret does not stand in front' (it only follows).

終わったことを悩んでも仕方ない。後悔先に立たずだ。

Proverb

"臍を噛む"

— To regret deeply and bitterly. Literally 'to bite one's navel', which is impossible, hence the deep frustration.

準備不足で負けてしまい、臍を噛む思いだ。

Idiomatic / Literary

"後の祭り"

— Too late. Literally 'the festival afterward'. Similar to 'regret doesn't come first'.

今さら謝っても後の祭りだよ。

Common Idiom

"悔いを残す"

— To leave behind regrets. To finish something with unresolved feelings.

悔いを残さないように全力で戦う。

Standard

"地団駄を踏む"

— To stomp one's feet in frustration or regret.

チャンスを逃して、彼は地団駄を踏んで悔しがった。

Descriptive

"覆水盆に返らず"

— Spilled water does not return to the tray. What's done is done.

壊れた関係は戻らない。覆水盆に返らずだ。

Classical Idiom

"悔やんでも悔やみきれない"

— Cannot regret it enough. Expresses the maximum possible regret.

あのミスは、悔やんでも悔やみきれない。

Emotional

"身を焦がすような後悔"

— A regret so intense it feels like it's burning your body.

身を焦がすような後悔が彼を襲った。

Literary

"苦い思いをする"

— To have a bitter experience (often leading to regret).

投資に失敗して、苦い思いをした。

Neutral

"胸を痛める"

— To feel pain in one's chest (due to regret or sorrow).

過去の過ちに胸を痛めている。

Emotional

혼동하기 쉬운

後悔する vs 公開 (koukai)

Homophone

Koukai (公開) means to make something public or release it (like a movie). Koukai (後悔) means to regret.

新作映画が公開される。(The new movie is released.)

後悔する vs 航海 (koukai)

Homophone

Koukai (航海) means a voyage or sailing. Koukai (後悔) means to regret.

長い航海に出る。(Set out on a long voyage.)

後悔する vs 後悔 (koukai) vs. 悔い (kui)

Similar meaning

Koukai is the formal suru-verb. Kui is the native Japanese noun for regret, often used in literary phrases like 'kui ga nokoru'.

悔いのない人生。(A life without regrets.)

後悔する vs 後悔 (koukai) vs. 失敗 (shippai)

Related concepts

Shippai is the actual mistake or failure. Koukai is the feeling you have because of the shippai.

失敗して後悔した。(I failed and then I regretted it.)

後悔する vs 後悔 (koukai) vs. 慙愧 (zanki)

Both involve feeling bad

Zanki is a much stronger, formal word meaning to be 'ashamed and remorseful'. Koukai is general regret.

慙愧に堪えない。(I am overcome with shame and remorse.)

문장 패턴

[Verb-ta] koto wo koukai suru

アイスを食べたことを後悔した。

[Verb-ba] yokatta to koukai suru

もっと早く来ればよかったと後悔した。

Koukai no nai [Noun]

後悔のない選択をしたい。

Koukai shinai you ni [Verb]

後悔しないように一生懸命練習する。

Imasara koukai shitemo [Negative]

今さら後悔しても無駄だ。

Koukai no nen ni [Verb]

後悔の念にさいなまれる。

[Verb] koto wo fukaku koukai suru

自分の過ちを深く後悔している。

Koukai saki ni tatazu to iu ga...

後悔先に立たずと言うが、やはり悔しい。

어휘 가족

명사

後悔 (koukai) - Regret

悔恨 (kaikon) - Remorse

悔い (kui) - Regret/Repentance

동사

悔やむ (kuyamu) - To regret/mourn

悔いる (kuiru) - To repent

悔しがる (kuyashigaru) - To feel frustrated

형용사

悔しい (kuyashii) - Frustrating/Vexing

悔いなき (kuinaki) - Without regret (literary)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Japanese.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'koukai suru' for bad weather. → Ame de zannen desu.
You can't regret something you didn't do. Weather is external, so use 'zannen'.
Using 'koukai' in a formal rejection letter. → Zannen nagara, saiyou wo miokurasete itadakimasu.
'Koukai' is too personal and emotional for a business rejection.
Saying 'koukai suru' to mean 'I apologize'. → Moushiwake arimasen.
Regretting is a feeling you have; apologizing is an action toward someone else.
Using the present tense: 'Iku koto wo koukai suru'. → Itta koto wo koukai suru.
You usually regret something that already happened, so the action should be in past tense.
Confusing 'koukai' (regret) with 'koukai' (public). → Check the kanji: 後悔 vs. 公開.
These homophones are very common and can lead to confusion in writing.

팁

Use with ~ba yokatta

Pairing 'koukai suru' with '~ba yokatta' (I wish I had) is the most natural way to explain WHAT you regret. 'Motto hayaku ikeba yokatta to koukai shite iru.'

Koukai vs. Hansei

Remember that 'koukai' is just the feeling. In a professional setting, people want to hear 'hansei' (how you will improve), not just 'koukai'.

Radical Check

The 'heart' radical (忄) in 悔 is a great reminder that this word is about an internal feeling, not an external action.

Warning Others

When you say 'Koukai suru yo!', it's a strong warning. Use it only with close friends or when the consequences are truly serious.

Homophone Awareness

Always look at the context. If someone is talking about a movie or a ship, they probably aren't talking about 'regret' (koukai).

Boost the Intensity

Use 'fukaku' (deeply) or 'hageshiku' (intensely) to show you are really upset about your mistake.

Casual Contraction

In casual speech, 'koukai shite shimatta' often becomes 'koukai shichatta'. Use this to sound more natural with friends.

Nominalization

Don't forget the 'koto' when regretting an action: '[Past Verb] + koto wo koukai suru'.

No Regrets Goal

In Japan, 'koukai no nai' is a very positive descriptor for a life well-lived or a decision well-made.

Pitch Accent

Listen for the steady, flat pitch of 'koukai suru' to distinguish it from words with more varied pitch patterns.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine you are standing BEHIND (後) a mirror, looking at your HEART (忄) and feeling bad (悔) about what you just did. 'Kou' (Go) back and 'Kai' (Cry) over it.

시각적 연상

A person looking at a broken vase. The 'after' (後) of the event is when the 'regret' (悔) starts.

Word Web

後 (After) 悔 (Regret) する (Do) 心 (Heart) 過去 (Past) ミス (Mistake) 涙 (Tears) 反省 (Reflection)

챌린지

Try to think of one thing you did today that you slightly regret. Say it out loud: '[Action] koto wo koukai shite imasu.' Then think of one thing you will do so you DON'T regret: 'Koukai shinai you ni, [Action] shimasu.'

어원

The word 'koukai' is a Kango (Sino-Japanese word) that entered Japan through Chinese texts. It combines two kanji: '後' (after) and '悔' (regret).

원래 의미: To feel bad after an event has occurred. The kanji '悔' itself contains the 'heart' radical (忄), indicating it is an emotional state.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when discussing 'koukai' regarding others' life choices, as it can sound judgmental. It's best used for one's own feelings.

English speakers often use 'regret' in formal letters (e.g., 'We regret to inform you'). In Japanese, 'koukai' is strictly emotional and personal.

The proverb 'Koukai saki ni tatazu' is found in many classic Japanese texts. Many J-Pop songs use 'koukai' to describe lost love. Anime characters often use 'koukai' during climactic battle scenes.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Eating/Diet

食べ過ぎて後悔する
ダイエット中にケーキを食べて後悔した
夜食を食べて後悔している
飲み過ぎて後悔する

Shopping

高い買い物をして後悔する
買わなくて後悔した
衝動買いを後悔している
セールで変な服を買って後悔した

Relationships

彼と別れたことを後悔している
言わなきゃよかったと後悔した
もっと優しくすればよかったと後悔する
嘘をついたことを後悔している

Education/Career

勉強しなかったことを後悔する
この仕事を選んで後悔していない
大学に行かなかったことを後悔した
チャンスを逃して後悔している

General Life

後悔のない人生
後悔先に立たず
昔の自分を後悔する
後悔しても始まらない

대화 시작하기

"最近、何か後悔したことはありますか？ (Have you regretted anything lately?)"

"人生で一番後悔していることは何ですか？ (What is your biggest regret in life?)"

"後悔しないために、いつも気をつけていることは？ (What do you always do to avoid regrets?)"

"「後悔先に立たず」という言葉をどう思いますか？ (What do you think of the saying 'regret doesn't come first'?)"

"買わなくて後悔したものはありますか？ (Is there anything you regretted NOT buying?)"

일기 주제

今日、少しだけ後悔したことについて書いてください。 (Write about something you slightly regretted today.)

もし過去に戻れるなら、どの後悔を消したいですか？ (If you could go back to the past, which regret would you want to erase?)

後悔を「反省」に変えるために、あなたができることは？ (What can you do to turn regret into 'reflection'?)

「後悔のない人生」とは、あなたにとってどんな人生ですか？ (What does a 'life without regrets' look like to you?)

失敗したけれど、後悔はしていない経験について教えてください。 (Tell me about an experience where you failed but didn't regret it.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It's better to use 'hansei shite orimasu' (I am reflecting) or 'moushiwake gozaimasen' (I am sorry). 'Koukai' focuses on your feelings, while an apology should focus on the impact on others.

If you missed the train because you were late, that's 'koukai'. If the train was delayed because of snow, that's 'zannen'. 'Koukai' requires your own agency.

Yes, it's very common! You can use it for small things like 'I regret buying this snack' or big things like 'I regret my career choice'.

You can say 'Koukai wa arimasen' or 'Koukai shite imasen'. In a more literary way, 'Koukai no nai jinsei'.

Not really a slang 'word', but people use 'shippai shita' (messed up) or 'yatchatta' (did it/messed up) to express light regret casually.

Yes, you can warn someone: 'Koukai suru yo!' (You'll regret it!). Or describe someone: 'Kare wa koukai shite iru' (He is regretting it).

後 (After) and 悔 (Regret). Note the 'heart' radical in the second kanji.

The feeling is negative, but the phrase 'koukai shinai you ni' (so as not to regret) is used positively as a motivator.

It means 'regret doesn't come first', implying that it's too late to regret something once it's done.

Usually, 'koukai suru' is the verb. If you want to use 'omou', you'd say 'zannen ni omou' or 'koukai no nen wo daku'.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기