The Chinese word **惋惜** (wǎnxī) is a compound formed by combining two characters with similar meanings to create a nuanced, emphatic expression of sorrowful regret. The first character, **惋** (wǎn), inherently conveys a sense of regret, disappointment, or feeling sorry about something. The second character, **惜** (xī), means to pity, to cherish, or to feel it is a shame. When paired, they create a synergistic meaning stronger than either alone, specifically describing a profound sense of pity and regret over a loss, misfortune, or missed opportunity, reflecting a common pattern in Chinese where synonymous or near-synonymous morphemes are combined to solidify and intensify an abstract emotional concept.