Type: Noun / Interjection
Origin: Arabic/Urdu; expresses sadness, disappointment, or sympathy
Definition: Feeling of regret or sadness over an unfortunate event or action
Synonyms (Urdu): پچھتاوا، دکھ، ملال
Synonyms (English): regret, sorrow, lament, pity
Antonyms (Urdu): خوشی، مسرت
Antonyms (English): happiness, joy
Polarity: Negative
Register: Literary, everyday
Pragmatic Sense: Expresses emotional reaction to loss, mistake, or misfortune
Key Nuances:
Can be used formally or colloquially
Often conveys sympathy in addition to personal regret
Usage Contexts:
Expressions of personal or social regret
Storytelling or literature
Conversation after accidents or mistakes
Example Sentences:
Urdu: افسوس، میں وقت پر نہیں پہنچ سکا
English: Regretfully, I could not arrive on time
Urdu: اس کی وفات پر ہمیں افسوس ہوا
English: We were saddened by his passing
Urdu: افسوس، یہ موقع ضائع ہو گیا
English: Alas, this opportunity was lost
Cultural Insight:
“افسوس” is a staple term in Urdu literature and poetry, reflecting deep human emotions of regret or sorrow.
Related Terms:
پچھتاوا (Regret)
ملال (Melancholy)
رنج (Grief)