This is the 511th most frequent Dutch word.
helaas
Unfortunately.
Used to express regret or misfortune about the current weather.
Helaas is het vandaag slecht weer.
Unfortunately, the weather is bad today.
Used to convey disappointment about an unreachable desire.
Ik wilde naar het concert gaan, maar helaas waren alle kaartjes uitverkocht.
I wanted to go to the concert, but unfortunately, all tickets were sold out.
Used to express a sad realization about a challenging situation.