未練

みれん

lingering affection, attachment, regret(s)

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"未練" (みれん) refers to lingering feelings of attachment, affection, or regret, often after a relationship or situation has ended. It implies an emotional difficulty in letting go.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when talking about past relationships, lost opportunities, or unfinished business. It often carries a slightly negative nuance, suggesting that holding onto these feelings may prevent moving forward.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 未練がある: to have lingering feelings or attachments
  • 未練を断ち切る: to cut off lingering attachments
  • 未練たらしい / 未練がましい: describing someone as clingy or unable to let go

Register and Nuance

"未練" is a somewhat formal or literary word, common in written and spoken Japanese at a higher proficiency level (N1). It is not casual slang but is widely understood.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "未練" with simple regret (後悔). However, "未練" specifically involves emotional attachment or reluctance to let go, not just feeling sorry about something.

Example Sentences

かれはもとこいびとにまだみれんがあるようだ。

He still seems to have lingering feelings for his ex-lover.

みれんをたちきってあたらしいじんせいをはじめよう。

Let's cut off lingering attachments and start a new life.

みれんがましいたいどはしゅういにわるいいんしょうをあたえる。

A lingering, clingy attitude gives a bad impression to those around you.