可惜
kěxí · HSK 5
it's a pity
😔 可 (can) + 惜 (cherish/regret) — what could've been, regrettably
可 means 'can/able', 惜 means 'to cherish/pity'. Together: 'able to be pitied' — said when something almost worked out but didn't. Common reaction to near-misses or wasted potential.
可 — mouth 口 + breath marker 丁 (modified)
可 originally depicted a mouth (口) with a curved stroke suggesting exhaled breath or speech, conveying approval or assent. From this came the meaning 'to permit' or 'can,' as granting permission was expressed verbally. Today it broadly means 'may,' 'can,' or 'approve.'