惜別

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 惜別, read せきべつ. Elements for regret and parting combine to denote a reluctant farewell or sorrow at separation.
• Basic usage: 惜別の握手 describes a farewell exchanged by graduates and a respected teacher, while 惜別の思い identifies the feelings placed into a song at a farewell party.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A farewell handshake with a teacher
  • The graduates exchange a handshake expressing reluctance to part from their teacher. Example: 卒業生は恩師と惜別の握手を交わした。 — The graduates shook hands with their teacher, reluctant to part.
• Parting feelings expressed in song
  • A song performed at the farewell gathering conveys sadness at parting. Example: 送別会では惜別の思いを込めた歌が披露された。 — At the farewell party, a song expressing the sadness of parting was performed.