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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 残念ながら

    残念ながら

    残念ながら

    This phrase means 'unfortunately' or 'I'm sorry to say.' You use it when you have bad news or something did not go as planned.

    N3KMT4NeutralStandardAdverbial ConstructionMixedCushion Words BusinessGrammar

    残念ながら、 + ClausePrimary

    This phrase means 'unfortunately' or 'I'm sorry to say.' You use it when you have bad news or something did not go as planned.

    残ざん念ねんながら、今こん回かいのプロジェクトは見み送おくりとなりました。

    Unfortunately, it has been decided to postpone this project.

    FormalPastAffirmativeClause InitialDeclarativeBusiness & FinanceWork & Career
    残ざん念ねんながら、明あし日たのパーティーには参さん加かできません。

    Unfortunately, I cannot attend the party tomorrow.

    PoliteNon PastNegativeClause InitialAbilityDaily Life
    彼かれは一いっ生しょう懸けん命めい練れん習しゅうしたが、残ざん念ねんながら試し合あいに負まけてしまった。

    He practiced very hard, but unfortunately he ended up losing the match.

    NeutralPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeSports & Martial Arts
    ご期き待たいに沿そえず、残ざん念ねんながら今こん回かいは不ふ採さい用ようとさせていただきます。

    We regret that we cannot meet your expectations; unfortunately, we have decided not to proceed with your application at this time.

    HumbleNon PastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeWork & CareerBusiness & Finance
    お探さがししたのですが、残ざん念ねんながらその本ほんは見みつかりませんでした。

    I looked for it, but unfortunately, I couldn't find that book.

    PolitePastNegativeMid SentenceDeclarativeLiteratureDaily Life

    This phrase means you feel sad about something. It shows you wish things were different. It is not just saying a fact.

    This is different from あいにくですが. あいにくですが is for bad timing. 残念ながら is for any bad news. It does not mean you tried hard like せっかくですが.

    Don't use this when you have good news. For example, do not say "Unfortunately, you won the lottery!" This phrase is for bad news only.

    Use this when you want to share bad news. It shows you feel sorry about the situation. It makes the bad news sound softer.

    Often confused with(1)

    あいにくですが

    This phrase means 'unfortunately'. You use it to politely say sorry when you share bad news or something unexpected.

    Less formal alternatives(1)

    申し上げにくいのですが

    This phrase means 'it is hard for me to say'. You use it before saying something difficult. It helps prepare the listener for bad news or a tough request.

    〜ながら

    This grammar shows two actions happening at the same time. You do one thing while you do another. The second action is the main one.

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    Related concepts for this entry

    often_confused_with

    • あいにくですが

    less_formal_than

    • 申し上げにくいのですが

    prerequisite

    • 〜ながら

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