あいにく

Alternative writings: 生憎, 合憎
JLPT:N3
Frequency:

1Unfortunately — used to express regret or to say that circumstances are not favorable; often used as a polite lead-in before a refusal or bad news.

Na-AdjectiveAdverbNounNoun Taking 'の'Usually Kana

Examples

あいにく今日は都合が悪くて参加できません。

Unfortunately I can't attend today; it's not a good time for me.

あいにく雨が降ってきたので、ピクニックは中止になった。

Unfortunately it started to rain, so the picnic was canceled.

あいにくその商品は在庫切れです。申し訳ございません。

Unfortunately that item is out of stock. I'm very sorry.

電話をかけたが、あいにく部長は席を外していた。

I called, but unfortunately the manager was away from his desk.

Word Relationships

Antonym