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안타깝다

A2 adjective #1,500 most common 12 min read

안타깝다

antakkapda Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 안타깝다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 안타깝다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '안타깝다' as a way to say 'I feel sorry' or 'That's too bad' in a slightly more serious way than '안됐다.' Even though this word is usually introduced at the A2 level, A1 learners can use it in simple sentences to show empathy. For example, if a friend says they lost their wallet, you can say '안타까워요.' This shows you understand the situation is bad. At this level, don't worry too much about the complex nuances. Just remember the basic polite form '안타까워요' and use it when something unfortunate happens to someone else. It's a great way to sound more natural and caring in Korean. You might also see it in very simple stories where a character is sad because they couldn't do something they wanted. Focus on the feeling of 'pity' for a situation. It's like seeing a small bird that can't fly; you feel '안타까워요.' Try to practice the 'ㅂ' irregular change: 안타깝다 becomes 안타까워요. This is one of the first irregular patterns you will learn, and '안타깝다' is a perfect word to practice it with. Even if your grammar isn't perfect, using this word shows you are trying to connect with the other person's feelings, which is very important in Korean culture. Keep your sentences short: '정말 안타까워요' (It's really regrettable) is a perfect A1-level phrase. You can also use it with '참' which means 'very' or 'truly' to say '참 안타깝네요.' This sounds very kind and polite.

At the A2 level, you should start to distinguish '안타깝다' from other words like '슬프다' (sad) and '아쉽다' (a shame). '안타깝다' is specifically for situations that are unfortunate or pitiable. You can now start using it in more complex sentences using connectors like '-어서' (because). For example, '도와줄 수 없어서 안타까워요' (I feel regrettable because I cannot help you). This shows a higher level of expression. You should also be comfortable with the past tense '안타까웠어요.' A2 learners should notice how this word is used in dramas or news when someone fails an exam or gets sick. It's about feeling bad for someone else's circumstances. You can also use the noun-modifying form '안타까운' to describe things, like '안타까운 소식' (regrettable news). This level is about expanding the contexts where you use the word. Instead of just reacting to a lost wallet, you might use it when a friend's vacation is canceled due to rain. It's still a 'shame' (아쉽다), but if they worked really hard for that vacation and really needed the rest, '안타깝다' expresses that deeper level of empathy. You are starting to see that Korean has many words for 'sad,' and '안타깝다' is your tool for 'empathetic regret.' Practice using it with '정말' (really) or '너무' (too/very) to emphasize your feelings. Also, try to use the sentence starter '안타깝게도...' (Regrettably...) when you have to deliver bad news. This is a very common and useful pattern for A2 learners to master.

At the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance between '안타깝다' and '아쉽다.' You understand that '안타깝다' carries a heavier emotional weight and is often used when effort doesn't lead to the desired result. You can use it to describe social issues or more abstract situations. For instance, you might say '환경 오염이 심해지는 것이 안타깝다' (It is regrettable that environmental pollution is getting worse). At this level, you should also be familiar with the verb form '안타까워하다,' which is used when describing *someone else's* feeling of regret. For example, '어머니는 나의 실패를 안타까워하셨다' (My mother felt regrettable about my failure). This is a crucial distinction in Korean grammar—using different forms for first-person vs. third-person emotions. You can also start using more formal endings like '안타깝습니다' in professional settings or when writing essays. Your vocabulary is growing, so you can pair '안타깝다' with adverbs like '무척' (extremely), '매우' (very), or '참으로' (truly). You might also encounter the word in more formal contexts like news reports or documentaries. You should be able to explain *why* something is '안타깝다' in detail, using advanced connectors like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite the fact that...). For example, '열심히 노력했음에도 불구하고 결과가 좋지 않아 안타깝다' (Despite the hard work, it's regrettable that the result wasn't good). This shows you can handle the emotional and grammatical complexity of the word.

At the B2 level, you can use '안타깝다' to discuss complex social, historical, or literary themes. You understand its role in the Korean concept of 'Jeong' (deep connection) and how expressing this emotion helps build rapport. You can use the word in debates or discussions about public policy, expressing regret over missed opportunities for social improvement. For example, '정부의 대응이 늦어진 점이 매우 안타깝습니다' (It is very regrettable that the government's response was delayed). You are also proficient in using the word in its various grammatical forms, including '안타까움' (the noun 'regret/pity'). You can use phrases like '안타까움을 자아내다' (to evoke pity/regret) or '안타까움을 금치 못하다' (to be unable to hold back one's regret). These are sophisticated expressions used in journalism and high-level writing. You should also be able to distinguish '안타깝다' from more literary synonyms like '애처롭다' (pathos-filled pity) or '가엽다' (pitiful). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to create a specific tone in your writing or speaking. You can use it to show a nuanced perspective—for instance, feeling '안타깝다' for a 'villain' in a story because of their tragic backstory. This shows a high level of emotional and linguistic intelligence. You can also use it in the conditional, like '안타깝게도 ~하지 않았더라면' (If only, regrettably, it hadn't been...), to discuss hypothetical regrets. Your mastery of the word allows you to navigate sensitive conversations with grace and precision.

At the C1 level, your use of '안타깝다' is near-native. You understand the subtle cultural undercurrents the word carries, such as the collective feeling of 'Han' (unresolved grief/regret) in certain historical contexts. You can use the word in academic writing, literary analysis, or high-level professional negotiations. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and four-character idioms (Saja-seong-eo) that might relate to similar feelings, though '안타깝다' itself is a pure Korean word. You can use it to describe the 'human condition'—the inherent tragedy of life where effort doesn't always equal success. In writing, you might use '안타깝다' to critique a piece of art or literature, noting how the creator successfully (or unsuccessfully) evoked this emotion in the audience. You can also use it to express deep, personal philosophy. For example, '인간의 유한함이 안타깝게 느껴질 때가 있다' (There are times when the finiteness of human life feels regrettable). You can manipulate the word's position in a sentence for rhetorical effect, and you are comfortable using it alongside other high-level vocabulary to create a rich, evocative narrative. You understand that '안타깝다' can sometimes be used ironically or with a hint of sarcasm in very specific social contexts, although its primary use remains sincere empathy. Your ability to use this word reflects a deep understanding of the Korean psyche and the importance of shared emotional experiences.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over '안타깝다' and its place within the vast spectrum of Korean emotional vocabulary. You can use it with the same precision as a native speaker, often choosing it over other words to hit a very specific 'emotional frequency.' You are capable of using it in the most formal of settings, such as delivering a eulogy or a high-level diplomatic statement, where the choice of words can have significant social or political consequences. You can also appreciate and use the word in its most poetic forms, understanding how it has been used by famous Korean poets and novelists to define the Korean experience of tragedy and empathy. You can discuss the etymology of the word and how its usage has evolved over centuries. You are also able to translate the word into other languages while explaining why 'pity' or 'regret' doesn't quite capture the full Korean meaning. You might use '안타깝다' to describe the 'bittersweet' nature of passing time or the 'inevitable' nature of certain failures. Your use of the word is not just about communication; it's about artistry and deep cultural resonance. You can use it to build complex emotional arcs in your own creative writing in Korean. At this level, '안타깝다' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for profound expression that you use instinctively and perfectly within any given context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

안타깝다 in 30 Seconds

An adjective used to express pity, regret, or sympathy for an unfortunate situation.
Commonly used when effort doesn't lead to success or when witnessing someone's hardship.
Follows the ㅂ-irregular conjugation pattern (e.g., 안타까워요, 안타까워서).
Distinct from '아쉽다' (personal lack) and '불쌍하다' (pity for someone lower).

The Korean adjective 안타깝다 (antakkapda) is a deeply emotive word that captures a specific blend of pity, regret, and frustration. It is used when a situation is truly unfortunate, particularly when things do not go as planned despite effort, or when one witnesses someone else's hardship and feels a painful sense of sympathy. Unlike simple sadness, it implies a sense of 'wasted potential' or 'unnecessary suffering' that makes the heart ache. It is the feeling you get when a talented athlete gets injured right before the finals, or when a hardworking student fails an exam by a single point. It is a core emotional vocabulary word for expressing empathy in Korean culture.

Emotional Core: The word centers on the feeling of 'heart-burning' or 'chest-tightening' sympathy. It describes the internal distress felt by an observer or a participant in a tragic or unlucky event.

그 소식을 들으니 정말 안타깝네요.

Translation: It's truly regrettable/sad to hear that news.

To understand 안타깝다, one must look at the nuances of Korean empathy. It often describes situations where there is a gap between what 'should have been' and what 'is.' This gap creates a sense of frustration. For example, if a beautiful vase breaks, it's '아쉽다' (a shame), but if a person's lifelong dream is crushed by a minor mistake, it is '안타깝다.' The latter carries a heavier weight of human tragedy and shared pain. It is frequently used in news reports, daily conversations about health or career, and in literature to evoke a sense of pathos.

Nuance Comparison: While '슬프다' (sad) is a general emotion, '안타깝다' specifically targets the 'unfortunate' nature of a situation. It is more about the 'pity' of the circumstances than the 'grief' of a loss.

노력했지만 결과가 좋지 않아 안타깝다.

In a social context, saying '안타깝다' is a way of validating someone else's effort. By calling a situation '안타깝다,' you are acknowledging that the person deserved a better outcome. This makes it a powerful tool for social bonding and emotional support in Korea. It is not just a description of an event; it is a shared emotional response. When you see a news story about a family struggling, or a friend failing a driving test for the third time, this is the most natural word to reach for to express your solidarity in their misfortune.

Usage in Media: Journalists often use this word to describe public tragedies where lives were lost or opportunities missed due to systemic failures, emphasizing the collective regret of society.

어린 나이에 세상을 떠난 것이 참으로 안타까운 일이다.

Finally, the word can be used reflexively. You can feel '안타깝다' about your own situation, but it usually carries a tone of self-pity or looking at oneself from an objective, unfortunate perspective. It is more common, however, to use it toward others to maintain a polite, empathetic distance while showing deep concern. Understanding this word is key to mastering the 'Jeong' (정) or deep emotional connection prevalent in Korean interpersonal relationships.

Using 안타깝다 correctly requires understanding its conjugation and its typical sentence structures. As a descriptive verb (adjective), it follows standard Korean adjective rules. Because it ends in 'ㅂ', it is an irregular verb. When followed by a vowel, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. For example, in the polite present tense, it becomes 안타까워요, and in the past tense, it becomes 안타까웠어요. Mastering these changes is essential for natural speech.

Conjugation Rule: ㅂ-irregular: 안타깝- + -어요 → 안타까워요. This applies to most endings starting with a vowel (e.g., -어서, -으니).

그의 실패가 너무 안타까워서 잠이 안 왔다.

Translation: I couldn't sleep because his failure was so regrettable.

The word is often paired with the particle '-가/이' to indicate the subject of the regret. For example, '상황이 안타깝다' (The situation is regrettable) or '그의 처지가 안타깝다' (His circumstances are pitiable). It can also be used with the connective '-어서/아서' to explain the reason for a subsequent action or feeling. A common pattern is '[Reason] + -어서 안타깝다,' such as '도와줄 수 없어서 안타깝다' (It's regrettable that I cannot help you).

Common Sentence Patterns: 1. [Noun]이/가 안타깝다.
2. [Verb]-지 못해서 안타깝다.
3. 안타깝게도 [Sentence].

안타깝게도 이번 시험에 불합격하셨습니다.

In terms of register, '안타깝다' is versatile. It is appropriate for formal writing, news broadcasts, and polite conversation. In very casual settings among close friends, it might be shortened or used with slang, but the standard form '안타까워' is perfectly fine. When speaking to elders or in a professional setting, always use the honorific forms like '안타깝습니다' or '안타까우시겠어요' (You must feel so regrettable/pity). The latter is a very common way to show empathy toward the listener's situation.

Honorific Usage: When empathizing with someone older, use '안타까우시겠어요' to acknowledge their feelings with respect.

정말 안타까운 사연이네요.

Finally, remember that '안타깝다' focuses on the *feeling* of the observer. If you are the one who missed an opportunity and you feel a sense of personal 'waste' or 'missing out,' you might use '아쉽다.' However, if you feel that the situation itself is tragic or unfair, '안타깝다' is the superior choice. For instance, if you missed a concert, it's '아쉽다.' If you missed the concert because you were helping an injured person, the situation is '안타깝다.'

You will encounter 안타깝다 in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from high-stakes news reports to intimate daily conversations. In the media, it is the go-to word for anchors reporting on accidents, natural disasters, or the passing of a public figure. It sets a tone of national or collective sympathy. For example, a news segment might begin with, '안타까운 소식입니다' (It is regrettable news), immediately signaling to the audience that what follows is a tragedy that deserves their emotional attention.

News & Media: Used to describe accidents, economic hardships of citizens, or the loss of talented individuals. It frames the story with empathy.

이번 사고로 많은 희생자가 발생해 매우 안타깝습니다.

Translation: It is very regrettable that many victims were caused by this accident.

In the world of sports, commentators use '안타깝다' frequently. When a player makes a brilliant play but misses the goal by an inch, or when a team loses due to a controversial referee decision, the commentator will exclaim, '아, 정말 안타까운 상황입니다!' This usage highlights the frustration of a 'near miss' or an unfair outcome. It resonates with the fans' own feelings of disappointment and empathy for the athletes' hard work.

Sports Broadcasting: Focuses on the frustration of missed opportunities, injuries, or close losses where the effort was high but the result was poor.

부상으로 경기를 포기하게 되어 정말 안타깝네요.

In daily life, you will hear this word when people discuss their friends, family, or even strangers. If someone tells you about their pet being sick, or their car breaking down on the way to an important meeting, your natural response should be '안타깝네요.' It is a key component of 'active listening' in Korean. By using this word, you are telling the speaker, 'I feel your frustration, and I agree that this situation is unfair/unfortunate.' It is much warmer than just saying 'Oh, that's bad.'

Daily Conversations: Used as a standard empathetic response to minor or major misfortunes shared by others.

그렇게 열심히 준비했는데 아깝게 떨어지다니 안타깝다.

Finally, in literature and songwriting, '안타깝다' is used to describe the 'aching' feeling of love that cannot be realized. If two people love each other but are separated by circumstances, their love is described as '안타까운 사랑.' This adds a layer of tragic beauty to the narrative. Whether it's a ballad lyric or a classic novel, this word evokes a specific type of Korean melancholy that is both painful and aesthetically valued.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 안타깝다 with 아쉽다. While both can be translated as 'it's a shame' or 'regrettable,' their nuances are distinct. '아쉽다' is used when you feel a personal sense of lack or when something is 'just a little bit' short of being perfect. For example, if you ate a delicious meal but the portion was too small, you'd say '아쉽다.' If you missed a bus by 10 seconds, it's '아쉽다.' It's about your own disappointment or a minor inconvenience.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 아쉽다: Using '안타깝다' for minor personal inconveniences makes you sound overly dramatic. Using '아쉽다' for a major tragedy makes you sound cold or insensitive.

Wrong: 커피가 다 떨어져서 안타까워요. (Too dramatic)
Right: 커피가 다 떨어져서 아쉬워요.

Another common error is related to conjugation. Because '안타깝다' is a ㅂ-irregular adjective, learners often forget to change the 'ㅂ' to '우' when adding vowel-based suffixes. Saying '안타깝어요' instead of '안타까워요' is a hallmark of a beginner. Similarly, in the past tense, '안타깝았어요' is incorrect; it must be '안타까웠어요.' Consistent practice with ㅂ-irregular verbs like '덥다' (hot) or '어렵다' (difficult) will help internalize this pattern.

Mistake 2: Conjugation Errors: Incorrect: 안타깝아 (X), 안타깝어서 (X).
Correct: 안타까워 (O), 안타까워서 (O).

Correct: 소식이 안타까워서 눈물이 났다.

A third mistake is using '안타깝다' as an action verb. It is an adjective (descriptive verb) in Korean. You cannot '안타깝다' something; rather, a situation 'is' 안타깝다. If you want to say 'I feel pity for him,' you should say '그가 안타깝다' (He is pitiable [to me]) or '그를 안타깝게 생각하다' (I think of him as pitiable). Using the object marker '-를/을' directly with '안타깝다' (e.g., 그를 안타깝다) is grammatically incorrect.

Mistake 3: Misusing Particles: Adjectives take subject markers (-이/가). Verbs take object markers (-을/를). Since '안타깝다' is an adjective, use -이/가 for the thing that is regrettable.

Wrong: 그 사람을 안타까워요.
Right: 그 사람이 안타까워요.

Lastly, avoid overusing the word. While it is a great way to show empathy, using it for every minor problem can make your speech feel heavy or insincere. Reserve it for situations that truly warrant a sense of regret or pity. In casual, low-stakes situations, '안됐다' (that's too bad) or '속상하다' (to be upset/distressed) might be more appropriate alternatives depending on the context.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for expressing negative emotions and empathy. Understanding the synonyms and related words for 안타깝다 will help you choose the precise word for every situation. The most common related words are 아쉽다, 불쌍하다, and 애처롭다. Each carries a different emotional weight and social nuance.

안타깝다 vs. 아쉽다: '안타깝다' is about pity and tragic regret (empathy-focused). '아쉽다' is about feeling a lack, missing out, or personal disappointment (self-focused or minor).

Comparison: Losing a game 10-0 is 안타깝다 (pity for the effort). Losing a game 1-0 in the last second is 아쉽다 (so close!).

Another word is 애처롭다 (ae-cheo-rop-da). This is a more literary and intense version of '안타깝다.' It describes a feeling of such deep pity that it makes your heart ache. It is often used for children, the elderly, or loved ones who are suffering. While '안타깝다' can be used for a situation (like a missed goal), '애처롭다' is almost always directed at a person's state of being. It carries a sense of 'tender-heartedness' and 'pathos.'

안타깝다 vs. 불쌍하다: '안타깝다' focuses on the unfortunate situation. '불쌍하다' focuses on the person's miserable state. '안타깝다' is generally safer and more polite in social contexts.

추위에 떨고 있는 강아지가 불쌍하다.
열심히 했지만 떨어진 친구가 안타깝다.

There is also 속상하다 (sok-sang-ha-da), which literally means 'one's insides are spoiled/hurt.' This is used when you are personally upset or distressed by a situation. If '안타깝다' is 'I feel sorry for the situation,' '속상하다' is 'I am personally bothered and upset by this.' For example, if you break your own phone, you are '속상하다.' If your friend breaks their phone, you feel '안타깝다' for them.

Other Related Terms: 1. 가엽다 (ga-yeop-da): To be pitiful (similar to 불쌍하다 but softer).
2. 유감이다 (yu-gam-i-da): To be regrettable (formal, often used in diplomacy or business).

그의 죽음은 국가적인 유감이다.

Finally, consider the word 답답하다 (dap-dap-ha-da). While it means 'stuffy' or 'frustrated,' it overlaps with '안타깝다' when a situation is regrettable because it is stuck or progressing slowly. If someone is making a mistake and won't listen to advice, you might feel both '답답하다' (frustrated by their stubbornness) and '안타깝다' (sorry for the trouble they are causing themselves). Choosing between these words allows you to express the specific flavor of your empathy or frustration.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

ㅂ-irregular conjugation

-어서/아서 (reason/cause)

-네 (exclamatory ending)

-어하다 (transforming adjective to verb for third person)

-ㄴ/은 (noun-modifying form for adjectives)

Examples by Level

정말 안타까워요.

It's really regrettable.

Basic polite present tense.

친구가 아파서 안타까워요.

I feel sorry because my friend is sick.

Using -어서 to give a reason.

참 안타깝네요.

That's truly a shame/pity.

-네요 ending for realization/empathy.

안타까운 일이에요.

It is a regrettable thing.

Noun-modifying form (안타까운).

너무 안타까워요.

It's so regrettable.

Use of '너무' for emphasis.

그 소식은 안타까워요.

That news is sad/regrettable.

Simple subject-adjective structure.

강아지가 배고파서 안타까워요.

I feel sorry because the puppy is hungry.

Expressing pity for an animal.

안타깝지만 괜찮아요.

It's regrettable, but it's okay.

-지만 (but) connector.

도와주고 싶지만 능력이 없어서 안타깝다.

I want to help, but I feel regrettable because I don't have the ability.

B-irregular conjugation in -어서.

안타깝게도 기차를 놓쳤어요.

Regrettably, I missed the train.

Adverbial form '안타깝게도'.

그의 실패가 참 안타까웠어요.

His failure was truly regrettable.

Past tense '안타까웠어요'.

열심히 공부했는데 떨어져서 안타까워요.

I feel sorry because I failed even though I studied hard.

Contrast between effort and result.

안타까운 사연을 들었어요.

I heard a regrettable/sad story.

Modifying the noun '사연' (story/circumstances).

그가 다쳐서 정말 안타깝네요.

It's really regrettable that he got hurt.

Empathy for an injury.

시간이 부족해서 안타까웠습니다.

It was regrettable because there wasn't enough time.

Formal past tense.

돈을 잃어버려서 안타까워요.

I feel sorry (for myself/situation) because I lost money.

Using for a personal misfortune.

어머니는 동생의 성적을 안타까워하셨다.

My mother felt regrettable about my younger sibling's grades.

-어하다 form for third-person emotions.

노력한 만큼 결과가 나오지 않아 안타깝습니다.

It's regrettable that the results didn't match the effort.

Formal polite style.

그 배우의 은퇴 소식은 정말 안타까운 일이다.

The news of that actor's retirement is a truly regrettable thing.

Plain style for writing.

사고 소식을 들으니 안타까운 마음이 듭니다.

Hearing the news of the accident, I feel a sense of regret/pity.

Phrase '마음이 들다' (to have a feeling).

안타깝게도 이번 행사는 취소되었습니다.

Regrettably, this event has been canceled.

Formal announcement style.

그의 재능이 낭비되는 것이 안타까워요.

It's regrettable that his talent is being wasted.

Abstract concept as subject.

부모님께 효도하지 못한 것이 안타깝다.

It's regrettable that I couldn't show enough filial piety to my parents.

Expressing deep personal regret.

상황이 이렇게 되어 무척 안타깝네요.

It's very regrettable that things turned out this way.

Adverb '무척' for emphasis.

많은 사람들이 그의 죽음을 안타까워하고 있다.

Many people are feeling regrettable about his death.

Progressive form -고 있다 with third-person emotion.

안타까움을 금할 수 없는 소식이 전해졌습니다.

News that makes one unable to suppress regret has been delivered.

Idiomatic expression '안타까움을 금할 수 없다'.

그의 처지가 너무나 안타까워 눈물이 났다.

His circumstances were so pitiable that I burst into tears.

Emphasized adverb '너무나'.

전쟁으로 아이들이 고통받는 현실이 안타깝다.

The reality of children suffering due to war is regrettable.

Social commentary.

안타깝게도 그는 꿈을 이루지 못한 채 눈을 감았다.

Regrettably, he passed away without achieving his dream.

Literary expression '-ㄴ 채'.

서로 오해해서 헤어지다니 정말 안타까운 일이다.

It's a truly regrettable thing that they broke up due to a misunderstanding.

-다니 ending for expressing surprise/regret at a fact.

그의 진심이 전달되지 않아 안타까움이 더했다.

The regret was added to because his sincerity was not conveyed.

Noun '안타까움' as a subject.

조금만 더 일찍 알았더라면 좋았을 텐데 안타깝다.

It would have been good if I had known a bit earlier; it's regrettable.

Hypothetical regret structure.

작가는 주인공의 안타까운 운명을 세밀하게 묘사했다.

The author detailed the protagonist's regrettable/tragic fate.

Literary analysis context.

시대의 비극 속에서 안타깝게 희생된 영혼들을 기린다.

We honor the souls who were regrettably sacrificed in the tragedy of the era.

Formal/Honorific context.

그의 천재성이 빛을 보지 못한 것은 국가적 안타까움이다.

It is a national regret that his genius did not see the light of day.

Using '안타까움' as a conceptual noun.

안타깝게도 우리 사회에는 여전히 소외된 이들이 많다.

Regrettably, there are still many marginalized people in our society.

Sociological observation.

그의 마지막 모습은 보는 이들의 안타까움을 자아냈다.

His final moments evoked regret/pity in those who watched.

Phrase '안타까움을 자아내다'.

사랑하지만 함께할 수 없는 안타까운 인연이었다.

It was a regrettable fate/connection where they loved but couldn't be together.

Describing 'In-yeon' (fate/connection).

전통문화가 사라져 가는 현실이 참으로 안타깝다.

The reality of traditional culture disappearing is truly regrettable.

Cultural preservation context.

그의 사과가 너무 늦었다는 점이 안타까울 따름이다.

It is merely regrettable that his apology was too late.

Ending '-을 따름이다' (it is merely...).

인간 존재의 근원적 고독과 안타까움을 노래한 시이다.

This is a poem that sings of the fundamental loneliness and regret of human existence.

Philosophical/Poetic context.

안타깝게도 역사는 반복되며 우리는 같은 실수를 되풀이한다.

Regrettably, history repeats itself, and we reiterate the same mistakes.

Historical reflection.

그의 삶은 안타까움과 환희가 교차하는 한 편의 드라마였다.

His life was a drama where regret and joy intersected.

Metaphorical usage.

무지의 소치로 소중한 기회를 놓친 것이 못내 안타깝다.

It is deeply regrettable that a precious opportunity was missed due to ignorance.

Advanced adverb '못내' (deeply/persistently).

사라져 가는 방언들에 대한 안타까움이 연구의 시작이었다.

Regret for disappearing dialects was the beginning of the research.

Academic motivation.

안타깝게도 진실은 때로 너무 늦게 밝혀지곤 한다.

Regrettably, the truth is sometimes revealed too late.

General truth/Observation.

그의 문학 세계는 인간에 대한 깊은 안타까움에서 비롯되었다.

His literary world originated from a deep pity/regret for humanity.

Literary origin.

자연의 섭리 앞에 인간의 무력함이 안타깝게 느껴진다.

Human helplessness feels regrettable in the face of the laws of nature.

Existential reflection.

Common Collocations

상황이 안타깝다

소식이 안타깝다

죽음이 안타깝다

재능이 안타깝다

처지가 안타깝다

마음이 안타깝다

현실이 안타깝다

실패가 안타깝다

안타까운 마음

안타까운 사연

Common Phrases

정말 안타깝네요

안타깝게도

안타까움을 자아내다

안타까움을 금할 수 없다

참 안타까운 일이다

보는 이로 하여금 안타깝게 하다

안타까워 죽겠다

너무 안타까워서

안타까운 나머지

안타까운 소식

Often Confused With

안타깝다 vs 아쉽다

Personal lack or minor regret vs. deep pity/regret for a situation.

안타깝다 vs 슬프다

General sadness vs. specific regret/pity for an unfortunate event.

안타깝다 vs 불쌍하다

Can be condescending; '안타깝다' is more about the situation and more polite.

Idioms & Expressions

"안타까움을 금치 못하다 (cannot help but feel regret)"

"가슴이 안타깝다 (one's heart aches with regret)"

"안타까움에 발을 동동 구르다 (to stamp one's feet in frustration/regret)"

"안타까운 눈물을 흘리다 (to shed regrettable tears)"

"안타까움이 서려 있다 (to be filled with regret)"

"안타까운 사연이 깃들다 (to have a regrettable story behind it)"

"안타까움이 앞서다 (regret comes first/is the primary feeling)"

"안타까운 운명에 처하다 (to face a regrettable fate)"

"안타까움이 밀려오다 (regret comes rushing in)"

"안타까움을 뒤로하고 (leaving the regret behind)"

Easily Confused

안타깝다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

It implies a sense of 'waste' or 'unfairness' in a situation.

social

It is a very safe and polite word to use when you don't know what else to say to someone in trouble.

empathy

It is more about the observer's feeling of pity than the victim's feeling of sadness.

Common Mistakes

Saying '안타깝어요' instead of '안타까워요'.
Using '안타깝다' for a minor personal disappointment (use '아쉽다' instead).
Using '안타깝다' with an object marker (그를 안타깝다 X -> 그가 안타깝다 O).
Confusing '안타깝다' (pity) with '아깝다' (waste).
Using the base form '안타깝다' for third-person emotions (use '안타까워하다').

Tips

Watch the ㅂ

Always remember that 안타깝다 + 어요 = 안타까워요. Never say 안타깝어요.

Show Empathy

In Korea, saying '안타깝네요' when someone shares a problem is a great way to build a relationship.

Situation vs. Person

Use 안타깝다 for the situation and 불쌍하다 for the person (but be careful with the latter!).

Start with Regret

Use '안타깝게도' to introduce bad news in a letter or email.

Learn the Noun

The noun '안타까움' is very common in news and books. Learn it to improve your reading.

Tone Matters

Say it slowly with a sincere face to show you really care.

Don't confuse with 아깝다

아깝다 is about waste (money/time). 안타깝다 is about pity/regret.

News Keyword

When you hear '안타깝다' on the news, get ready for a sad or tragic story.

Third Person

Remember to use '안타까워하다' for other people's emotions.

The Heart Burns

Remember the 'burning heart' origin to help you feel the word's intensity.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Anti-Cup'. You are 'Anti' (against) the fact that the 'Cup' (success) was missed or broken. It's regrettable!

Word Origin

Native Korean

Cultural Context

Expressing '안타깝다' is seen as a sign of a warm and caring personality.

Korean news is often more emotive than Western news, frequently using this word to frame stories.

Sharing a sense of '안타까움' helps build trust and emotional closeness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"어제 그 안타까운 소식 들으셨어요? (Did you hear that regrettable news yesterday?)"

"친구가 시험에 떨어졌다는데 정말 안타깝네요. (I heard my friend failed the exam; it's so regrettable.)"

"안타깝게도 이번 주말에는 비가 온대요. (Regrettably, they say it will rain this weekend.)"

"그 영화 보셨어요? 결말이 너무 안타까워요. (Did you see that movie? The ending is so sad/regrettable.)"

"도와줄 수 있는 방법이 없어서 참 안타깝습니다. (It's truly regrettable that there's no way to help.)"

Journal Prompts

최근에 가장 안타깝다고 느꼈던 일은 무엇인가요? (What is the most regrettable thing you felt recently?)

노력했지만 결과가 좋지 않았던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about an experience where you worked hard but the result wasn't good.)

다른 사람의 상황이 안타까워 도와주고 싶었던 적이 있나요? (Have you ever wanted to help someone because their situation was pitiable?)

드라마나 영화에서 가장 안타까웠던 장면은 무엇인가요? (What was the most regrettable/sad scene in a drama or movie?)

'아쉽다'와 '안타깝다'의 차이를 자신의 경험을 통해 설명해 보세요. (Explain the difference between '아쉽다' and '안타깝다' through your own experience.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds like you are looking at yourself from the outside. For example, 'I feel sorry for myself for failing.' Usually, for your own mistakes, '속상하다' (upset) or '후회된다' (regretful) is more common.

Yes, it is very polite and shows that you are a caring person. Using the '요' or '습니다' endings makes it appropriate for almost any situation.

불쌍하다 is 'pity' for a person, often someone in a lower position. 안타깝다 is 'regret' for a situation. Saying a friend is '불쌍하다' can sometimes be rude, but '안타깝다' is always okay.

Since it is a ㅂ-irregular, the 'ㅂ' becomes '우', so it is '안타까웠어요' (antakkawosseoyo).

If the item was very important and losing it is a tragedy, yes. If it's just a pen, use '아쉽다' or '아깝다'.

The word '안습' was popular slang for 'regrettable/sad' but it is quite old now. Nowadays, people just use the standard word or '속상해'.

Use it when you are talking about someone else's feelings. 'He feels sorry' = '그는 안타까워해요'.

It means 'regrettably' or 'unfortunately' and is used as an adverb to start a sentence.

Yes, to express regret over a failed deal or a mistake in a polite way.

Not exactly. It's more about 'unfortunate.' A situation can be '안타깝다' even if it doesn't make you cry.