nuối tiếc
Definition
- Verb:
- To regret: To feel sadness, disappointment, or a sense of loss about something that has happened or about something one has done or failed to do.
- To feel wistful about / to long for: To have a sentimental yearning for something lost, past, or unattainable.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Tôi nuối tiếc vì đã không học chăm chỉ hơn. (I regret not having studied harder.)
- Cô ấy nuối tiếc thời sinh viên của mình. (She feels wistful about her student days.)
- Họ nuối tiếc cơ hội đã bỏ lỡ. (They regret the missed opportunity.)
Advanced Usage
- The verb often carries a deep, lingering emotional weight, implying a sorrow that is reflected upon over time. It can be used for both major life events and smaller, personal matters.
Variants and Related Words
Hối tiếc (v): A stronger, more immediate synonym for "to regret," often implying remorse or a sense of guilt.
- Anh ấy hối tiếc vì những lời nói nóng giận. (He regrets his angry words.)
Tiếc nuối (v): An alternative word order with the same core meaning as "nuối tiếc."
- Tôi rất tiếc nuối về quyết định đó. (I deeply regret that decision.)
Synonyms
- Regret: To feel sorrow or remorse for.
- Rue: To feel remorse or regret for (more formal/literary).
- Bemoan: To express deep regret or dismay about.
- Lament: To express passionate grief or regret about.
Related Idioms
Nuối tiếc quá khứ: To dwell on/lament the past.
- Đừng chỉ ngồi đó và nuối tiếc quá khứ. (Don't just sit there and dwell on the past.)
Nuối tiếc khôn nguôi: To have endless/boundless regret.
- Đó là một sai lầm khiến anh ấy nuối tiếc khôn nguôi. (It was a mistake he endlessly regrets.)