lament

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 嘆 is associated with lamenting or expressing emotion; its on-reading is たん and its kun-reading is なげく.
• Basic usage: 嘆く means lamenting or grieving; 感嘆, read かんたん, means admiration or wonder.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Grief and admiration
  • 日照りを嘆いた means that someone lamented a drought. 嘆く can concern a prolonged drought or the grief of losing a friend.
  • 美しさに感嘆した means that someone marveled at beauty. Although it contains the same 嘆, 感嘆 can express admiration for skill or beauty.