Japanese has unique ways to express gratitude for someone’s effort or regret when that effort doesn’t pay off. Two common expressions that do this are せっかく and わざわざ. While they seem similar at first glance, each has its own nuance and use case.
せっかく / わざわざ
Going to the trouble of doing something
Usage Pattern
わざわざ + [verb/verb phrase]
せっかく + [verb/verb phrase] + のに／ても／から
Details
JLPT Level: N3
How to Use It
Use わざわざ when you want to show appreciation for something someone did with extra care or effort. It carries a nuance of gratitude.
Use せっかく when emphasizing the value or effort behind something often used when something goes to waste, or when trying to make the most of a situation.
Want A Deeper Explanation?
Example 1
わざわざ来てくれてありがとうございます。
わざわざ きて くれて ありがとう ございます。
Wazawaza kite kurete arigatō gozaimasu.
Thank you for going out of your way to come.
Example 2
せっかく買ってくれたのに、壊れてしまいました。
せっかく かって くれた のに、こわれて しまいました。
Sekkaku katte kureta noni, kowarete shimaimashita.
Even though you went through the trouble of buying it, it ended up breaking.
Example 3
せっかく韓国にいるんだから、観光しよう。
せっかく かんこく に いるん だから、かんこう しよう。
Sekkaku Kankoku ni irun dakara, kankō shiyō.
Since we’re in Korea anyway, let’s do some sightseeing.