せっかく (sekkaku)

Meaning & usage

せっかく marks an action or situation that took special effort or a rare opportunity that should be valued and not wasted. It is an adverb that comes before a verb or clause, and it also appears as せっかくの before nouns like チャンス or 苦労. It often pairs with のに, から, ので, or が to express disappointment when effort comes to nothing or to encourage making use of a chance. It is common in both spoken and polite speech.

Example sentences 5

1. お前まえが大声おおごえ出だすから、せっかくのシャッターチャンスを逃にがしちゃったよ。

   You just made me miss the perfect shot when you hollered.

2. こういう事情ですから、残念ながら、せっかくのご招待をお受けいたしかねるのです。

   As such is the case, I am sorry I can't accept your kind invitation.

3. あーあ、せっかくお母さんには内緒にしてた計画なのに、もうばれちゃった。

   Oh no... I tried so hard to keep the plan secret from my mom, but she already found out.

4. せっかく弁護士の資格があるのにもったいない。

   What a waste of your lawyer qualifications!

5. せっかくの苦労が水の泡になった。

   All my pains were in vain.