menyesal — meaning in English: regret

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for regret

pemikiran

keyakinan

menyesal

abstrak

kebebasan

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Indonesian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 'menyesal' when reflecting on past decisions, often expressing remorse after making a mistake. For instance, someone might say 'Saya menyesal tidak belajar lebih giat' (I regret not studying harder) in a casual conversation with friends or during a more serious discussion about life choices.

Synonyms & nuances

'Menyesal' is often compared to 'penyesalan,' which is the noun form of regret. While 'menyesal' refers to the act of regretting something, 'penyesalan' focuses on the feeling or state of regret itself. Therefore, you would use 'menyesal' when discussing actions, while 'penyesalan' could come into play when discussing the emotion or aftermath of regret.

Culture

'Menyesal' derives from the root 'sesal,' which means to feel sorrow or remorse. In Indonesian culture, expressing regret can be a way of showing self-awareness and emotional intelligence. The concept of 'menyesal' is often tied to the moral lessons taught in traditional stories, emphasizing the importance of learning from one's mistakes.

FAQ

Q.What does 'menyesal' mean in English?

'Menyesal' means 'to regret' in English. It is commonly used when someone feels remorse for a past action or decision.

Q.How do you use 'menyesal' in a sentence?

You can use 'menyesal' by saying something like 'Saya menyesal keputusan itu' which translates to 'I regret that decision.' It’s a great way to express remorse in conversations.

Q.Are there common mistakes to avoid when using 'menyesal'?

'Menyesal' is typically followed by a clause explaining what you regret, so make sure not to use it without context. For example, don't just say 'Saya menyesal' without specifying what you're regretting.

Learn indonesian with Maspeak →

Indonesian Vocabulary