Introduction to 可惜 (kěxí)
In Mandarin Chinese, the term 可惜 (kěxí) holds significant emotive weight, often expressing a sense of regret or disappointment. This article aims to explore the meaning of 可惜, its grammatical structure, and provide examples of its usage in sentences. By the end, readers will gain a thorough understanding of this commonly used phrase and its place in the Chinese language.
Meaning of 可惜 (kěxí)
The words 可惜 translate directly to “it’s a pity” or “what a shame” in English. It reflects an emotional response to situations that are unsatisfactory, expressing a feeling that something unfortunate has occurred. 可 (kě) means ‘can’ or ‘may’, while 惜 (xí) means ‘to cherish’ or ‘to pity’. Together, they convey a poignant sense of longing or regret over missed opportunities or unfortunate events.
Grammatical Structure of 可惜
Understanding the grammatical structure of 可惜 is essential to using it effectively. Here, we break down its components:
1. Parts of Speech
可惜 (kěxí) is primarily used as an adjective, but it can also function as an interjection or exclamatory phrase in conversations. It can stand alone or be incorporated into longer sentences. For instance, it can precede a phrase that describes the unfortunate situation.
2. Sentence Construction
In general, 可惜 can be structured as follows:
- 可惜 + Subject + Verb/Predicate
- Subject + 觉得 + 可惜
Examples of 可惜 in Sentences
Now let’s explore some practical examples that illustrate how to use 可惜 in various contexts:
1. Expressing Regret
Example: 可惜我没有参加昨天的聚会。 (kěxí wǒ méiyǒu cānjiā zuótiān de jùhuì.)
Translation: “It’s a pity I didn’t attend yesterday’s party.”
This sentence shows a personal sense of regret about missing an event.
2. Noticing Missed Opportunities
Example: 可惜这部电影票已经卖完了。 (kěxí zhè bù diànyǐng piào yǐjīng mài wán le.)
Translation: “What a shame that the tickets for this movie are already sold out.”
Here, 可惜 expresses disappointment over a missed opportunity to see a movie.
3. Sharing Collective Regret
Example: 可惜大家都忙,没法一起去旅行。 (kěxí dàjiā dōu máng, méi fǎ yīqǐ qù lǚxíng.)
Translation: “It’s a pity everyone is busy, and we can’t travel together.”
This example shows how 可惜 can reflect a shared feeling among a group of people.
4. Historical or Cultural Contexts
Example: 可惜这个古迹已经毁坏了。 (kěxí zhège gǔjì yǐjīng huǐhuài le.)
Translation: “It’s a pity that this historical site has already been destroyed.”
In this context, 可惜 is used to express regret about a cultural loss.
Conclusion
Understanding the phrase 可惜 (kěxí) enriches one’s vocabulary and expression in Mandarin Chinese. Whether conveying personal feelings of regret or discussing broader implications, 可惜 serves as a poignant reminder of life’s missed opportunities. By mastering its usage, learners can enhance their conversational skills and express emotions more effectively.
Further Reading
For those interested in deepening their knowledge of Chinese expressions, consider exploring other phrases that embody emotional expressions, such as 真可惜 (zhēn kěxí) meaning “really a pity,” which adds emphasis to the sentiment.

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