German word

sympathisch

Pronunciation

IPA/zʏmˈpaːtɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivefriendly

Example

Unsere sympathische Lehrerin erklärt alles gut.

Our friendly teacher explains everything well.

Illustration for sympathisch (friendly)

More examples

Auf Fotos wirkt er immer sympathisch.

In photos, he always seems friendly.

Core concept

A person whose manner puts others at ease and makes them inclined to like the person.

Common phrases

  • sympathisch wirken

    look friendly

  • als sympathisch gelten

    be regarded as likable

  • bei Publikum sympathisch ankommen

    make a favorable impression on the audience

Similar words

nett: Kind, open, and easy to approach in everyday interactions.
freundlich: Cheerful and polite in dealing with other people.
angenehm: Comfortable and pleasant to be around, without causing unease.
liebenswert: Naturally lovable, with qualities that make others fond of the person.

Definition in German

Ein Adjektiv für Personen oder Verhalten, das freundlich wirkt und beim Gegenüber Vertrauen oder Zuneigung hervorrufen kann.

Word origin

German sympathisch came through French sympathique from Greek sympatheia, formed from syn for 'with' and pathos for 'feeling'.

Usage tips

  • German sympathisch usually means likable or pleasant, whereas English sympathetic more often means understanding another person's feelings.

Other meanings

  • pleasantadjective
  • affableadjective

Opposites

  • unsympathischunpleasantadjective
  • abstoßenddisgustingadjective

Related words

  • Sympathielikingnoun
  • sympathisierendsympathizingadjective

Word lists with this word