What a shame Meaning in English
expression
WUHT-uh-SHAYM
WOT-uh-SHAYM
Definition
Used to express sadness, disappointment, or sympathy about something unfortunate.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and empathetic, often in response to bad news or minor disappointments. Synonyms: 'that's too bad', 'what a pity'. Slightly softer than 'what a disaster'. Usually said with feeling, not sarcasm, unless the tone is playful.
Spanish: qué pena - qué lástimaPortuguese (BR): que pena - que tristePortuguese (PT): que pena - que chaticeChinese (Simplified): 真可惜 - 太遗憾了Chinese (Traditional): 真可惜 - 太遺憾了Hindi: कितनी शर्म की बात है - बहुत अफ़सोस हैArabic: يا للخسارة - يا للأسفBengali: দুঃখের বিষয় - আফসোসRussian: как жаль - какая жалостьJapanese: 残念だね - もったいないVietnamese: tiếc quá - thật đáng tiếcKorean: 안타깝다 - 아쉽다Turkish: ne yazık - ne kadar üzücüUrdu: کتنا افسوسIndonesian: sayang sekali - aduh, sayang
Example Sentences
What a shame, you missed the party.
basic
It started to rain on our picnic. What a shame!
basic
He failed the exam? What a shame.
basic
You lost your wallet? What a shame, I hope you find it soon.
natural
They canceled the concert because of the storm. What a shame — I was really looking forward to it.
natural
A: Sorry, the last slice of cake is gone. B: Ah, what a shame!
natural