后悔
How to Understand
后悔 means 'regret' or 'regrettable action,' referring to the feeling of sorrow or disappointment over a past decision or action. It often implies a sense of missed opportunity or a mistake that cannot be undone.
The character 后 (hòu) means 'after' or 'later,' and 悔 (huǐ) means 'regret' or 'repentance.' Together, they suggest a feeling that arises after an event, emphasizing the emotional consequence of past actions.
后悔 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In Chinese culture, it often relates to moral or personal decisions, and people may express regret for not taking a certain path in life. Related expressions include 后悔莫及 (hòu huǐ mò jí), meaning 'it's too late to regret,' and 后悔不已 (hòu huǐ bù yǐ), meaning 'to be deeply regretful.'