Word Meaning 惜しむ (Oshimu): to Be Frugal, to Be Sparing

Meaning

English

to be frugal
to be sparing
to be unwilling
to be reluctant
to regret (e.g. a loss)
to feel sorry (for)
to value
to hold dear

Reading

Kana

おしむ

Romaji

oshimu

Writing Variants

愛しむ おしむ oshimu
吝しむ おしむ oshimu

Stroke Sequence

3 Characters • 15 Total Strokes

Study Signals and Categories

JLPT N1 Jōyō Upper Grade Kanken 3級 Rank 6759 Priority B

Related Vocabulary

Max. 12

惜しい

おしい

almost (but not quite)

惜敗

せきはい

regrettable defeat

惜しみ無く

おしみなく

without stint

時間を惜しむ

じかんをおしむ

to value time

名残惜しい

なごりおしい

reluctant (to part)

痛惜

つうせき

deep regret

負け惜しみ

まけおしみ

being a poor loser

一文惜み

いちもんおしみ

stinginess

不惜身命

ふしゃくしんみょう

devoting one's body and soul to Buddhist teachings

Example Sentences

4

彼女は金を使うのを惜しむ。

かのじょはかねをつかうのをおしむ。

She is stingy about spending money.

彼の引退を惜しむ声が多い。

かれのいんたいをおしむこえがおおい。

Many people regret his retirement.

鞭を惜しむと子供は駄目になる。

Spare the rod and spoil the child.

行く秋を惜しむ気持でいっぱいだ。

The passing autumn fills me with a feeling of grief.