折角

せっかく

with trouble, at great pains, long-awaited

Also:rare, kind

What does 折角 mean?

折角 is a Japanese noun meaning with trouble, at great pains, long-awaited in English. It can also be translated as rare, kind depending on context. It is written as 折角 in kanji, せっかく in hiragana, and sekkaku in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N2 vocabulary.

Example sentences

せっかくの苦労もあだになった。

All my pains went for nothing.

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.

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.