せっかく
Usually written in kana. Kanji spelling 折角
with trouble; at great pains; rare; valuable
JLPT N2 Common word
Meanings
Adverb, Noun
with trouble; at great painsNo-adjective
rare; valuable; precious; long-awaited- kind; generous
Example sentences
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All my pains were in vain.
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He has failed after all his labors.
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Your wonderful lecture was pearls before swine.
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He threw cold water on what I was doing.
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What a waste of your lawyer qualifications!
More examples (10)
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The temporary workers that we managed to employ left work right away.
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If you could do it at all, I'd like you to do it.
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Though I went to see her all the way in the rain, she was out.
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I am sorry, but I have someone coming.
おっと、せっかく時間前に来たのに、ダベッてたら遅刻しちまう。
Whoa, if we keep chatting, despite actually arriving early, we'll end up late!
お前が大声出すから、せっかくのシャッターチャンスを逃しちゃったよ。
You just made me miss the perfect shot when you hollered.
せっかく階段を走って降りたのに、もう一歩のところで電車に乗れなかった。
After a mad dash down the stairway, I missed my train by a second.
どんな理由があろうと、せっかく軌道に乗せた貿易を失墜させたのは大失態だ。
Whatever the reason, forfeiting the trade that we finally got on track is a fiasco.
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.
せっかく集めたものだけど、邪魔になるばかりだから、売るなり誰かにあげた方がいい。
We'd better try to sell or give away all these white elephants we've collected.