How to use 惜しい (おしい)
Meaning of 惜しい
The Japanese verb "惜しい" (おしい, oshii) can have various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here's a list of its primary meanings along with examples:
- Close but not quite / Almost: Used when something is very close to being correct or successful but falls just short.
- Example: あと一歩で勝てたのに、おしい！
- Translation: It was so close, we almost won!
- Regrettable / Pity: Expresses a sense of regret or disappointment over what could have been.
- Example: その才能が埋もれるのはおしい。
- Translation: It's a pity for that talent to go to waste.