残念
ざんねん
zannen
JLPT N4nounVocabularyLevel 22 - JLPT N4

Quick answer

残念 (ざんねん (zannen)) means "Disappointing". The reading is ざんねん (zannen). Audio pronunciation and kanji breakdown are below.

Meaning

Disappointing

Also : Regrettable · Unfortunate

Learn 残念 with SRS

Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.

Start free

Example Sentences

計画が失敗したことは本当に残念だ。

けいかくがしっぱいしたことはほんとうにざんねんだ。

It's truly unfortunate that the plan failed.

Kanji in this word

Grammar to study at this level

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Learn 残念 with Spaced Repetition

InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.