Crying shame Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɹaɪɪŋ/ /ˈʃeɪm
KRY-ing SHAYM
kɹˈaɪɪŋ/ /ʃˈeɪm
k-RY-ing sh-AYM
Definition
An informal expression used to say that something is very unfortunate, unfair, or disappointing.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often shows strong feelings about wasted opportunities, injustice, or disappointment. Not used for minor problems. Commonly: 'It's a crying shame...' Don't confuse with 'shame' (embarrassment); this means unfortunate, not embarrassing.
Spanish: pena enorme - lástima tremendaPortuguese (BR): pena enorme - uma tremenda injustiçaPortuguese (PT): grande vergonha - grande penaChinese (Simplified): 极大的遗憾 - 非常可惜Chinese (Traditional): 極大的遺憾 - 非常可惜Hindi: बहुत ही अफ़सोस की बातArabic: أمر مؤسف للغاية - خسارة كبيرةBengali: ভয়ংকর দুর্ভাগ্য - খুবই দুঃখজনক ব্যাপারRussian: набольшая несправедливость - ужасная жалостьJapanese: 本当に残念なこと - なんとも惜しいことVietnamese: điều đáng tiếc vô cùng - sự việc rất đáng buồnKorean: 정말 안타까운 일 - 너무 아쉬운 일Turkish: büyük talihsizlik - tam bir yazıkUrdu: انتہائی افسوسناک بات - نہایت ناکامیIndonesian: sangat disayangkan - benar-benar memalukan (bukan malu tapi menyedihkan)
Example Sentences
It's a crying shame that the park was closed.
basic
It's a crying shame to waste so much food.
basic
It's a crying shame that he lost his job.
basic
Honestly, it's a crying shame they tore down that beautiful building.
natural
All that talent wasted—what a crying shame!
natural
It's a crying shame you couldn't come to the party last night. We missed you!
natural