- A common expression used to show sympathy or mild regret about someone else's misfortune or disappointing news.
Explanation
Origin
- Literal meaning: The situation described is unfortunate ('bad'), and perhaps excessively so ('too').
- A standard, conventional phrase that evolved naturally.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- That sucks. (Stronger, more informal)
- Rough. / That's rough.
Milder/More Formal:
- I'm sorry that happened.
- That is regrettable.
- My condolences. (Only for very serious situations like death)
Insincere/Dismissive (Tone is crucial):
- Oh well. (Can sound uncaring)
- Tough luck. (Can sound unsympathetic)
Situational Appropriateness
- Generally appropriate in most situations, from informal to semi-formal. It's polite and common.
- For very serious news (like major illness or death), I'm so sorry to hear that is usually better as That's too bad can sound insufficient.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main risk is sounding insincere if the tone of voice isn't right. It needs to sound genuinely sympathetic, even if mildly so.
Examples
- You didn't get the job? Oh, that's too bad.
- I hear Sarah is sick and can't come to the party. That's too bad.
- They lost the game in the final minute. That's too bad.
Dialogue
Person A: I won't be able to make it to the movie tonight, I have to work late.
Person B: Oh, that's too bad. We'll miss you.
Person A: Yeah, me too. Have fun though!
Social Media Examples
- Comment: Friend's post: My car broke down again... -> Comment: Oh no, that's too bad! Hope it's not expensive to fix.
- Reply: News article: Local library reducing hours due to budget cuts. -> Reply: That's too bad for the community.
- Tweet: Heard my favorite band isn't touring this year. That's too bad, was hoping to see them live.
Response Patterns
- Acknowledgment: Yeah, it is. / I know.
- Further detail: Yeah, I was really hoping for it.
- Acceptance: Oh well, what can you do? / It happens.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing That's too bad:
- The person who shared the news might elaborate on their feelings or the situation.
After saying That's too bad:
- Often followed by a question showing further interest or concern: That's too bad. What happened? / Is there anything I can do?
- Can also be a conversation closer if the topic is minor.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response to information.
Intonation
- Gentle, falling intonation.
- Emphasis often slightly on too or bad. That's TOO bad. / That's too BAD.
- The tone should convey genuine (though often mild) sympathy. If said flatly, it can sound insincere or dismissive.
Generation Differences
- Used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking regions.