可惜

kě xī

it is a pity

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 可惜

The word 可惜 is commonly used to express regret or pity about a situation that did not turn out as hoped. It often conveys a sense of missed opportunity or unfortunate circumstance.

Common contexts

  • Expressing sympathy for someone’s misfortune (e.g., illness, failure).
  • Commenting on missed chances or near successes.
  • Showing regret about events or outcomes.

Typical collocations

  • 可惜 + clause: to introduce the regrettable fact.
  • 可惜: emphasizing the pity or regret.

Nuance and tone

可惜 is neutral and polite, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It does not carry strong emotional intensity but clearly signals disappointment.

Common confusion

Do not confuse 可惜 with 可爱 (cute) or 可怕 (scary). Also, 可惜 is not used to express personal feelings like love or hate, but specifically regret or pity about situations.

Example Sentences

这次考试你差一点就及格了,真可惜。

Zhè cì kǎoshì nǐ chà yīdiǎn jiù jígé le, zhēn kěxī.

You almost passed the exam this time, it's really a pity.

他本来可以参加比赛,可惜生病了。

Tā běnlái kěyǐ cānjiā bǐsài, kěxī shēngbìng le.

He could have participated in the competition, but unfortunately he got

可惜你没来,我们玩得很开心。

Kěxī nǐ méi lái, wǒmen wán de hěn kāixīn.

It's a pity you didn't come, we had a lot of fun.