ho2 sik1可惜

Jyutpingho2 sik1

Yalehó sīk

形容詞Very common

Definition

Unfortunate, regrettable, or a pity; feeling disappointed or remorseful over a missed opportunity.

neutralemotiondescriptions

How it's used

Expresses a feeling of regret or disappointment regarding a missed opportunity or an unfortunate outcome. It functions as an adjective in Cantonese, often placed after a subject or used as a standalone comment on a situation. While it can be used in formal writing, it is equally common in casual speech to express empathy or personal letdown.

Examples

keoi5佢gam3咁hou2好jan4人daan6但hai6係gam3咁zou2早zau2走，zan1真hai6係ho2可sik1惜。

He was such a good person, it is a real pity he left so early.

nei5你gam1今maan5晚m4唔lai4嚟，hai6係mai6咪hou2好ho2可sik1惜le1呢？

You aren't coming tonight, isn't that a real pity?

Common phrases

zan1真hai6係ho2可sik1惜

it is truly a pity

hou2好ho2可sik1惜

very unfortunate

Common mistake

Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English word sorry. If you want to apologize for a mistake, use 唔好意思 instead, as 可惜 only describes the unfortunate nature of a situation rather than expressing personal guilt.