What a pity Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈpɪti
WUHT-uh-PI-tee
wˈɒt/ /æɪ/ /pˈɪti
WOT-uh-PI-tee
Definition
A phrase used to express sympathy, disappointment, or regret about something unfortunate or sad that has happened.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal, used to react to bad news or disappointing situations. Similar to 'that's too bad' or 'that's a shame'. Not used for serious tragedies—more for everyday misfortunes.
Spanish: qué lástimaPortuguese (BR): que penaPortuguese (PT): que penaChinese (Simplified): 太可惜了Chinese (Traditional): 太可惜了Hindi: क्या अफ़सोस हैArabic: يا للخسارةBengali: অসুবিধা - কী দুঃখজনকRussian: какая жалость - как жальJapanese: 残念だね - それは残念Vietnamese: tiếc quá - thật đáng tiếcKorean: 안타깝다 - 아쉽다Turkish: ne yazık - yazık olduUrdu: کتنی افسوس کی بات ہے - افسوسIndonesian: sayang sekali - betapa sayang
Example Sentences
What a pity you missed the party.
basic
It's raining on our picnic day—what a pity!
basic
They didn't win the game. What a pity.
basic
She couldn’t come because she was sick—what a pity.
natural
You left your umbrella behind? What a pity—it’s going to rain later.
natural
The museum is closed today—what a pity. I was looking forward to it.
natural