English–Japanese
“mercy” in Japanese
How to say “mercy” in Japanese
“Mercy” in Japanese is 情け (nasake).
It shows concern for someone in difficulty by easing harsh judgment or treatment.
Example sentences with 情け
裁判官は深く反省した被告に情けをかけました。sai ban kan wa fuka ku han sei shi ta hi koku ni nasa ke o ka ke ma shi ta
The judge showed mercy to the defendant who had sincerely repented.
Tips for using 情け
- The proverb 情けは人の為ならず (nasake wa hito no tame narazu) teaches that kindness eventually returns to the giver, rather than meaning that compassion harms the recipient.
Other Japanese words for “mercy”
彼は弱い相手を容赦しません。kare wa yowa i ai te o yō sha shi ma se n
He shows no mercy to weaker opponents.