Remember "可惜" conveys a nuanced sense of regret or pity for something that could have been better or was unfortunately missed, making it a versatile expression of mild to moderate disappointment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- "可惜" expresses pity, regret, or a sense of missed opportunity.
- It functions as an adjective, often used adverbially, common in daily speech.
- Neutral register, suitable for most contexts from informal to semi-formal.
- Common mistake: Confusing with stronger '惋惜' for minor regrets.
- Reflects a cultural value of appreciating potential and feeling loss when it's unfulfilled.
概述 (Overview)
“可惜”是一个在汉语中极其常用且富有表现力的词汇，其核心含义是“令人感到遗憾、值得惋惜”。它承载着一种对未能实现的美好、错过的机会、或失去的价值所产生的惋惜、怜悯和遗憾的情绪。这种情感可以是轻微的，如对一场未能观看的精彩演出的遗憾；也可以是深沉的，如对一个英年早逝的天才的惋惜。它的情感重量介于“遗憾”和“惋惜”之间，但更偏向于日常口语中表达的普遍性遗憾。当人们使用“可惜”时，往往预设了某种“本可以更好”、“本应如此”的理想状态，而现实却与之产生了偏差，从而引发了这种不圆满的情绪。它既可以修饰事件本身，也可以修饰人物或其行为，表达一种“本应如此却未能如此”的遗憾之情。
用法模式 (Usage Patterns)
“可惜”在汉语中主要用作形容词，但其用法非常灵活，常带副词色彩。在口语和书面语中，“可惜”都非常常见，尤其在口语中，它几乎是表达遗憾、惋惜最直接和常用的词汇之一。作为形容词，它可以直接修饰名词，例如“可惜的结局”。但更常见的是作为谓语，如“这太可惜了”。当它置于句首或句中作状语时，则带有明显的副词功能，表示“遗憾的是”、“不幸的是”，后接一个句子，说明具体遗憾的内容，例如“可惜我没能去”。在地域使用上，“可惜”在普通话及绝大多数汉语方言区都通用，没有明显的地域差异，是全国性的常用词。其语法结构通常是“（很/真）可惜 + （了）”或“可惜 + 句子”。
常见语境 (Common Contexts)
- 日常交流 (Everyday Communication)：在日常对话中，“可惜”被广泛用于表达对错过活动、未能达成小目标或遇到小挫折的遗憾。例如，朋友邀请你参加派对你却有事不能去，你会说“真可惜，我不能去了”。
- 工作与学习 (Work and Study)：在工作或学习环境中，当项目未能按预期完成、考试失利、或错失了晋升/学习机会时，人们会用“可惜”来表达遗憾。例如：“这个项目差一点就成功了，可惜最后还是失败了。”
- 旅行与休闲 (Travel and Leisure)：在旅行中，如果遇到天气不好、景点关闭或未能体验到某个特色活动，也会用到“可惜”。例如：“我们去的时候下雨了，可惜没看到日出。”
- 媒体报道 (Media Reports)：新闻报道中，当提及不幸事件、运动员失利或某些美好事物未能延续时，记者或评论员会使用“可惜”来表达惋惜。例如：“这位天才选手因伤退赛，实在可惜。”
- 文学作品 (Literature)：在小说、诗歌或散文中，“可惜”常被用来营造一种悲剧色彩，表达人物的命运无奈、情感遗憾或对逝去时光的追忆。它能深化作品的情感深度，引发读者的共鸣。
- 社交媒体 (Social Media)：在微博、微信朋友圈等社交平台上，“可惜”是高频词汇，用于分享个人对错过热门事件、未抢到限量商品、或未能参与线上活动的感叹，语气通常比较轻松随意。
与相似词比较 (Comparison with Similar Words)
- 遗憾 (yíhàn)： “遗憾”既可以是名词（“人生遗憾”），也可以是动词（“我遗憾没能见到他”）。它强调的是事情本身的不圆满或缺失所带来的不满足感，情感范围更广，既可以很轻微，也可以很深重。而“可惜”主要是形容词，侧重于“令人感到遗憾”的性质。例如，“未能去成演唱会是我的遗憾”，也可以说“没去成演唱会真可惜”。“遗憾”更强调结果的不完美，“可惜”则更强调这种不完美带来的惋惜感。
- 惋惜 (wǎnxī)： “惋惜”的情感色彩通常比“可惜”更重，更偏向于对逝去的人、物、或重大机会的深切怜悯和痛惜。它多用于对无法挽回的损失或不幸表示沉重而深厚的遗憾。例如，对一位英年早逝的科学家，我们会说“深感惋惜”，而用“可惜”则显得轻了些。“惋惜”主要是动词，也可以作名词，但其感情深度和正式程度通常高于“可惜”。
总的来说，“可惜”是表达日常遗憾和惋惜的通用词，情感强度适中。“遗憾”范围更广，可作名词和动词，强调不圆满。“惋惜”情感最重，多用于无法弥补的重大损失。
语域与语气 (Register & Tone)
“可惜”是一个非常中性的词汇，适用于各种语域和场合。在日常口语中，它表达遗憾自然流畅，毫无违和感。例如，朋友之间说“可惜你没来”，亲切而直接。在较为正式的书面语或演讲中，使用“可惜”也完全恰当，可以用来表达对某种情况的惋惜，例如“可惜的是，这项计划最终未能通过”。它的语气通常是感叹、惋惜或带有轻微的惋惜之情，不带有指责或抱怨的意味。因此，在几乎所有需要表达遗憾或惋惜的场合，都可以放心使用“可惜”，而无需担心语域不符或语气不当。然而，如果需要表达极其沉重、正式的遗憾，如在官方声明中，可能会选择“深表遗憾”或“令人痛惜”，以增强表达的庄重性。
搭配用法 (Collocations in Context)
- 很可惜 (hěn kěxī)：表示“非常遗憾，非常可惜”。这是最常见的程度副词搭配，强调遗憾的程度。例如：“他本来有机会赢的，很可惜最后还是输了。” (He originally had a chance to win, but unfortunately, he still lost in the end.)
- 真可惜 (zhēn kěxī)：与“很可惜”类似，但“真”更侧重于情感的真切流露，常用于口语中表达感叹。例如：“这场电影真可惜，我没赶上。” (It's such a pity about this movie, I didn't make it.)
- 可惜的是 (kěxī de shì)：作为一个副词短语，引导一个句子，说明具体令人遗憾的事实。常用于句首或句中。例如：“他天赋异禀，可惜的是，他英年早逝。” (He was exceptionally talented, but unfortunately, he died young.)
- 可惜了 (kěxī le)：这里的“了”表示语气助词，强调一种已经发生或即将发生的遗憾。常用于口语，表达对某人或某事的惋惜。例如：“这件衣服这么漂亮，可惜了，尺码不合适。” (This dress is so beautiful, what a pity, the size isn't right.)
- 可惜没能/未能 (kěxī méi néng/wèi néng)：表示“遗憾的是没有能够做某事”。“没能”更口语化，“未能”更书面化。例如：“我本来想去看望她，可惜没能成行。” (I originally wanted to visit her, but unfortunately, I couldn't make the trip.)
- 可惜之处 (kěxī zhī chù)：指令人遗憾的地方或方面，常用于书面语中分析或评价。例如：“这部电影有很多优点，但也有一些可惜之处。” (This movie has many strengths, but also some regrettable aspects.)
Examples
这场比赛我们只差一分就赢了，真可惜！
everydayWe were just one point away from winning this game, what a pity!
他的研究成果本可以改变世界，可惜英年早逝。
formalHis research achievements could have changed the world, but unfortunately, he died young.
我本来想和你一起去，可惜我今天得加班。
informalI originally wanted to go with you, but unfortunately, I have to work overtime today.
这部古代文献虽有部分残缺，但其学术价值仍不可估量，可惜的是，完整版本已无处寻觅。
academicAlthough this ancient document is partially incomplete, its academic value is still immeasurable; unfortunately, the complete version is nowhere to be found.
我们已尽力争取这份合同，可惜最终还是被竞争对手抢走了。
businessWe tried our best to secure this contract, but unfortunately, it was ultimately taken by a competitor.
她本是天资聪颖的女子，可惜生不逢时，一身才华无处施展，最终只能在深闺中虚度光阴。
literaryShe was originally a woman of brilliant talent, but unfortunately, she was born at the wrong time, with nowhere to display her abilities, and could only waste her time in the boudoir.
我今天没抢到限量款盲盒，真可惜！
informalI didn't manage to get the limited edition blind box today, what a pity!
他错过了这次晋升机会，真是可惜了多年的努力。
everydayHe missed this promotion opportunity, what a waste of many years of effort.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
“可惜” is a versatile word, generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts. It's widely used across all Chinese-speaking regions without significant regional preferences. It appears frequently in both written and spoken Chinese, from daily conversations to news reports and literature. On social media, it's a common expression for minor disappointments or missed opportunities. Avoid using "可惜" in extremely formal or solemn situations, such as official condolences for severe tragedies, where stronger terms like "深表遗憾" or "深感痛惜" would be more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using "可惜" to directly modify a person in a way that sounds unnatural; instead of "他很可惜", say "他这个人很可惜" or "为他感到可惜". Another error is overusing it for very minor inconveniences where a simpler expression might suffice, though this is less of a 'mistake' and more a matter of nuance. Learners sometimes confuse its adverbial use with a true adverb, trying to say "可惜地" (pitiably) when the structure "可惜，(sentence)" or "可惜的是，(sentence)" is more natural. Also, be careful not to use it when you actually mean to criticize or blame, as "可惜" primarily conveys regret, not accusation.
Tips
Use for Missed Opportunities
"可惜" is perfect for expressing regret over missed chances. For example, if you couldn't attend a fun event, you can say "真可惜，我没能去" (Zhēn kěxī, wǒ méi néng qù - What a pity, I couldn't go). It shows you wished you could have participated.
Avoid for Serious Tragedies
While "可惜" means pity, it's generally too light for grave misfortunes or tragedies. For instance, when discussing a major disaster or loss of life, use stronger terms like "深感痛心" (shēn gǎn tòngxīn - deeply grieved) or "令人悲痛" (lìng rén bēitòng - heartbreaking) instead of "可惜".
Empathy in Chinese Culture
Expressing "可惜" often reflects a cultural emphasis on empathy and shared feelings. It's a way to acknowledge someone's disappointment or a generally regrettable situation, showing you understand and share a bit of that sentiment. It helps build rapport in conversations.
Distinguish from '遗憾'
While both mean regret, "可惜" (adjective/adverb) often focuses on the *feeling* of pity, while "遗憾" (noun/verb) emphasizes the *fact* of imperfection or incompleteness. For example, "没见到他是我的遗憾" (It's my regret that I didn't see him) vs. "没见到他真可惜" (It's a pity I didn't see him).
Word Origin
The word "可惜" (kěxī) in Chinese is formed from two characters: "可" (kě), meaning 'can, may, worthy of', and "惜" (xī), meaning 'to cherish, to pity, to regret'. Its etymology dates back to classical Chinese, where "可" often indicated something was 'worthy of' or 'fit for' a certain action or emotion. Thus, "可惜" literally means 'worthy of pity/regret'. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the general sense of 'it's a pity' or 'unfortunately', becoming a common expression of regret for missed opportunities or unfulfilled potential.
Cultural Context
"可惜" is deeply embedded in Chinese daily discourse, reflecting a cultural appreciation for potential and a sense of loss when that potential is not fully realized or when things don't go as ideally planned. It's a common way to express empathy and shared disappointment, fostering connection in conversations. In modern usage, especially on social media, "可惜" is frequently used in a lighter, more casual tone to lament minor inconveniences or missed fleeting opportunities (e.g., not getting a limited-edition item). While older generations might use it with a slightly more somber or reflective tone for significant life events, younger generations often use it more broadly for everyday disappointments, showcasing its adaptability across different social and generational contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a Kite (Kě) flying high, but then a sudden gust of wind snips (Xī) its string, and it falls. You look up and say, "Kě-Xī! What a pity! It was flying so beautifully!" The sound 'Kě' (可) can remind you of 'could have' and 'Xī' (惜) sounds a bit like 'sigh', representing the regret. So, 'Could have, sigh' – what a pity!
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions“可惜”和“遗憾”都可以表达惋惜之情，但侧重点略有不同。“可惜”主要作形容词，表示“令人感到惋惜的”，更强调一种主观的惋惜感受。而“遗憾”既可以是名词，指“不圆满的事情”，也可以是动词，表示“感到不圆满”。“遗憾”的感情色彩可能更中性，也更强调事情本身的不完美。
是的，“可惜”可以作副词用，通常置于句首或句中，表示“遗憾的是”或“不幸的是”。例如，“可惜我没能去参加你的生日派对。” 在这种用法中，它引导一个句子，说明令人遗憾的具体情况。这是一种非常常见的用法，尤其在口语中。
“惋惜”的情感通常比“可惜”更重。“惋惜”多用于表达对逝去的人、物或重大机会的深切怜悯和痛惜，带有更强烈的悲伤或沉重感。而“可惜”则更常用于日常生活中，表达轻微或中度的遗憾，适用范围更广。
“可惜”是一个比较中性的词，大部分情况下都适用。但在表达非常正式、严肃或深重的遗憾时，例如在官方声明中对重大灾难表示哀悼，使用“可惜”可能显得不够庄重或情感不足。此时，更合适的词可能是“深表遗憾”或“令人痛惜”。
“可惜”的常见搭配包括“很可惜”、“真可惜”、“可惜的是”、“可惜了”、“可惜没能/未能”等。这些搭配都用于不同程度或语境下表达遗憾和惋惜。例如，“很可惜”和“真可惜”常用于加强语气；“可惜的是”常用于引导句子说明具体情况。
“可惜”在口语和书面语中都非常常见。在口语中，它通常直接表达遗憾，语气更随意，如“真可惜！”。在书面语中，它也常用于叙述和评论，可以使文章更具感情色彩，如“可惜的是，这项改革最终未能推行。” 两种语体下都能灵活运用。
“可惜”通常不带有指责的意味，它更多是表达一种遗憾或惋惜的情绪，是对事实或结果的一种感叹。如果需要指责，会使用更直接的词语，如“你应该……”或“你错了”。用“可惜”来指责别人可能会让对方感到困惑，因为它本身不含批评的意图。
“可惜”的语气偏向消极，因为它表达的是一种遗憾、惋惜或不圆满的情绪。然而，这种消极并非绝望，而是带有对更好结果的期望落空后的感叹。它通常不包含强烈的负面情绪如愤怒或怨恨，更多是一种温和的遗憾。
“可惜”是形容词，可以独立使用或修饰。“可惜了”中的“了”是语气助词，常用于口语，强调一种已经发生或即将发生的遗憾，带有更强的惋惜感，并且通常用于对某个具体的人或事表示惋惜。例如，“这块玉真可惜，摔碎了。” 比单纯说“这块玉真可惜”更口语化，情感更直接。
“可惜”在句子中的位置比较灵活。它可以作谓语，如“这太可惜了。” 也可以作状语，放在句首或主语前，表示“遗憾的是”，如“可惜我没能去。” 还可以修饰名词，但较少见，如“一个可惜的结局”。最常见的是作为感叹词或副词性用法，放在句首或动词前。
Test Yourself
他本来有机会赢得比赛，______ 最后一刻摔倒了。
句子表达的是一种未能实现预期的遗憾情绪，所以“可惜”最符合语境。其他选项均不表达遗憾。
选择错误的句子：
“可惜”是形容词，不能直接修饰动词“低下了头”，也不能作副词表示“遗憾地”。此处应是“遗憾地”或“委屈地”。
请用“可惜”造句。
这个句子用“可惜”表达了对未能观看精彩演出的遗憾。结构清晰，符合“可惜”的常见用法。
原句：他是一个很可惜的人，因为他总是迟到。
“可惜”通常修饰事件或情况，而不是直接修饰人。当指人时，通常是“令人可惜的人”或“可惜了他这个人”。
Score: /4
Summary
Remember "可惜" conveys a nuanced sense of regret or pity for something that could have been better or was unfortunately missed, making it a versatile expression of mild to moderate disappointment.
- "可惜" expresses pity, regret, or a sense of missed opportunity.
- It functions as an adjective, often used adverbially, common in daily speech.
- Neutral register, suitable for most contexts from informal to semi-formal.
- Common mistake: Confusing with stronger '惋惜' for minor regrets.
- Reflects a cultural value of appreciating potential and feeling loss when it's unfulfilled.
Use for Missed Opportunities
"可惜" is perfect for expressing regret over missed chances. For example, if you couldn't attend a fun event, you can say "真可惜，我没能去" (Zhēn kěxī, wǒ méi néng qù - What a pity, I couldn't go). It shows you wished you could have participated.
Avoid for Serious Tragedies
While "可惜" means pity, it's generally too light for grave misfortunes or tragedies. For instance, when discussing a major disaster or loss of life, use stronger terms like "深感痛心" (shēn gǎn tòngxīn - deeply grieved) or "令人悲痛" (lìng rén bēitòng - heartbreaking) instead of "可惜".
Empathy in Chinese Culture
Expressing "可惜" often reflects a cultural emphasis on empathy and shared feelings. It's a way to acknowledge someone's disappointment or a generally regrettable situation, showing you understand and share a bit of that sentiment. It helps build rapport in conversations.
Distinguish from '遗憾'
While both mean regret, "可惜" (adjective/adverb) often focuses on the *feeling* of pity, while "遗憾" (noun/verb) emphasizes the *fact* of imperfection or incompleteness. For example, "没见到他是我的遗憾" (It's my regret that I didn't see him) vs. "没见到他真可惜" (It's a pity I didn't see him).
Examples
6 of 8这场比赛我们只差一分就赢了，真可惜！
We were just one point away from winning this game, what a pity!
他的研究成果本可以改变世界，可惜英年早逝。
His research achievements could have changed the world, but unfortunately, he died young.
我本来想和你一起去，可惜我今天得加班。
I originally wanted to go with you, but unfortunately, I have to work overtime today.
这部古代文献虽有部分残缺，但其学术价值仍不可估量，可惜的是，完整版本已无处寻觅。
Although this ancient document is partially incomplete, its academic value is still immeasurable; unfortunately, the complete version is nowhere to be found.
我们已尽力争取这份合同，可惜最终还是被竞争对手抢走了。
We tried our best to secure this contract, but unfortunately, it was ultimately taken by a competitor.
她本是天资聪颖的女子，可惜生不逢时，一身才华无处施展，最终只能在深闺中虚度光阴。
She was originally a woman of brilliant talent, but unfortunately, she was born at the wrong time, with nowhere to display her abilities, and could only waste her time in the boudoir.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
