tiếc nuối
Definition
Noun:
- Regret: A feeling of sadness, disappointment, or distress over something that has happened or been lost, often accompanied by a wish that it had been different.
- Longing: A sense of yearning or wistfulness for something that is gone or unattainable.
Adjective (used in the structure 'cảm thấy tiếc nuối'):
- Regretful: Feeling or expressing regret.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Cô ấy cảm thấy một nỗi tiếc nuối sâu sắc. (She feels a deep regret.)
- Anh ấy rời đi với đầy tiếc nuối. (He left with great longing.)
Adjective (in predicative use):
- Tôi rất tiếc nuối vì đã không học chăm chỉ hơn. (I am very regretful for not having studied harder.)
- Họ cảm thấy tiếc nuối về quyết định của mình. (They feel regretful about their decision.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "tiếc nuối" is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a profound, lingering sense of loss. It is stronger and more poetic than the simpler word "tiếc".
- It frequently appears in reflective contexts, such as looking back on life, lost opportunities, or past relationships.
Variants and Related Words
Nuối tiếc (v/n): This is a direct variant with the same meaning and usage as "tiếc nuối". It is equally common.
- Anh ấy nuối tiếc những ngày tháng đã qua. (He regrets the bygone days.)
Tiếc (v): To regret, to feel sorry about, to begrudge. This is the root word and is more common in everyday speech.
- Tôi tiếc vì đã lỡ hẹn. (I regret missing the appointment.)
Synonyms
- Regret: A feeling of sadness or disappointment.
- Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
- Longing: A yearning desire.
- Wistfulness: A feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Related Idioms and Phrases
Ôm nỗi tiếc nuối: To harbor/cherish regret.
- Bà ấy ôm nỗi tiếc nuối cả đời. (She harbored regret her whole life.)
Tiếc nuối quá khứ: To regret/long for the past.
- Đừng tiếc nuối quá khứ mà bỏ lỡ hiện tại. (Don't regret the past and miss the present.)