太可惜了
tài kěxī le
What a pity
太可惜了 (tài kěxī le) is an exclamation used to express regret or pity for a missed chance, a near-miss, or something that didn't turn out as hoped. It means "what a pity" or "such a shame."
What does 太可惜了 (tài kěxī le) mean?
太可惜了 (tài kěxī le) means “what a pity” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “too regrettable.”
When to use it
Neutral and common. It's suitable for most everyday situations. You can use just 可惜 (kěxī) for a slightly milder "what a pity."
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “TIE kuh-SHEE luh.” “太” is a falling tone, “可惜” has a rising then level tone, and “了” is a light, neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 可惜kěxīwhat a pity
- 真可惜zhēn kěxīreally a pity
- 多可惜duō kěxīhow regrettable
Examples
你没去参加派对，太可惜了！
nǐ méi qù cānjiā pàiduì, tài kěxī le!
It's such a shame you didn't go to the party!
他差一点就赢了，太可惜了。
tā chà yī diǎn jiù yíng le, tài kěxī le.
He almost won, what a pity.
这么好的机会，你放弃了，太可惜了。
zhème hǎo de jīhuì, nǐ fàngqì le, tài kěxī le.
You gave up such a good opportunity, what a shame.
Pro tip: The particle 了 (le) here adds an exclamatory feeling, emphasizing the regret. It's often used when something has already happened or a situation has changed.
Related phrases
我很开心 · I'm very happy我很难过 · I'm very sad真遗憾 · That's a shame
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →