Chinese Idiom 59

Meaning: This idiom translates to "regretting a belated meeting." It expresses the sentiment of regret upon meeting someone or discovering something enjoyable or beneficial later than one would have liked.

Explanation: The phrase conveys the feeling of missed opportunities or lost time, wishing that the encounter or discovery had happened sooner.

Usage: "相见恨晚" is often used to express delight in finally meeting someone or finding something valuable, accompanied by a sense of regret for not doing so earlier.

Example: When meeting a kindred spirit or discovering a hobby late in life, one might express, "与你相见恨晚，多年来一直缺少你的陪伴和智慧" (yǔ nǐ xiāng jiàn hèn wǎn, duō nián lái yī zhí quē shǎo nǐ de péi bàn hé zhì huì), meaning "Meeting you is a regretful belated encounter; for years, I've been lacking your companionship and wisdom."