About
The character 悔 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left-side semantic radical 忄 (xīn, a variant of 心, "heart") signals that the character relates to emotions or mental states. The right side provides the phonetic component 每 (měi, "each"), which guides its pronunciation. The core meaning is to regret, repent, or feel remorse for past actions or decisions. This concept centers on internal emotional pain and the psychological burden of wishing one had acted differently. The character frequently combines with others to form words expressing deep contrition, apologies, or a desire to undo a past error, consistently maintaining this emotional sense.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我后悔买这本书。
他现在非常后悔。
后悔是没用的。
我悔不该对他撒谎。
她的悔恨之情难以形容。
年轻时做的决定让他终生悔恨。
他悔过自新，赢得了大家的原谅。
历史不容篡改，悔罪才能得到宽恕。