Meaning and Usage
The verb 悲しむ (かなしむ) means "to be sad," "to mourn," or "to regret." It expresses an emotional state of sorrow or grief, often related to loss or disappointment.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used when talking about mourning someone's death, feeling sad about a breakup, or regretting a failure. It is a more emotional and personal expression than simply saying "sad."
Collocations and Patterns
- 悲しむ + 〜を: to mourn or be sad about something (e.g., 友達の死を悲しむ)
- 〜を悲しむ: often used with events or losses that cause sorrow
- Verb + より: comparing sadness with another action (e.g., 失敗を悲しむより)
Register and Nuance
悲しむ is a polite but neutral verb suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It conveys genuine emotional pain and is often used in narratives or conversations about personal feelings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 悲しむ with 悲しい (かなしい), which is an adjective meaning "sad." Remember, 悲しむ is a verb describing the act of feeling sadness, while 悲しい describes the state or quality of being sad.