How do you say unfortunately in Hebrew?
If we go literal, the expression is לרוע המזל, which translates word-for-word as “for the badness of the luck/fortune.” Israelis use this expression when they want to stress that it’s external events that have gotten in the way of their intentions.
In context:
יש כל מיני עיכובים, לרוע המזל לא אצליח להגיע.
There are all kinds of delays, unfortunately I won’t make it (I won’t be able to arrive).
But the more common way of saying unfortunately is לצערי – literally, to my dismay.
In context:
לצערי אני חולה. אני נאלץ להישאר בבית היום.
Unfortunately I’m sick. I have to stay home today.
