Japanese Conversation · Level 10
90 words
Japanese word
かわいそう
Pronunciation
Romajikawaisō
Meaning
- na-adjectivepoor
Example
あの子がかわいそうです。a no ko ga ka wa i sō de su
I feel sorry for that child.
More examples
そんなに小さい子が重い荷物を運ぶのは、かわいそうです。so n na ni chii sa i ko ga omo i ni motsu o hako bu no wa ka wa i sō de su
I feel sorry for such a small child who has to carry such a heavy bag.
Core concept
Expresses compassion toward someone seen as helpless, unlucky, or burdened by hardship.
Common phrases
かわいそうな話ka wa i sō na hanashi
a sad story
かわいそうに思うka wa i sō ni omo u
feel sorry for ___
かわいそうな子ka wa i sō na ko
a poor child
Similar words
気の毒kinodoku: Showing sympathy for a person or animal affected by misfortune or a difficult situation.
Definition in Japanese
弱い立場の人や不運な目に遭った人に同情を寄せる気持ちを表す。yowa i tachi ba no hito ya fu un na me ni a tta hito ni dō jō o yo se ru ki mo chi o arawa su
Word origin
かわいそう (kawaisō) developed from かはゆし (kawayushi), an older form whose meaning changed from an unbearable sight to compassion; the kanji spelling 可哀想 (kawaisō) is ateji.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, かわいそう (kawaisō) can describe a person, animal, or situation that seems deserving of sympathy, so poor is not always about money.
Other meanings
- pitifulna-adjective
Opposites
- 幸せshiawasehappinessnoun
Related words
- かわいそうさkawaisōsapitifulnessnoun
- かわいそうがるkawaisōgarupity ___verb