Japanese word

容赦

Pronunciation

Romajiyōsha

Meaning

  • nounmercy

Example

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.

Illustration for 容赦 (mercy)

More examples

厳しい批判を受けた彼は、周囲に容赦を求めました。kibi shi i hi han o u ke ta kare wa shū i ni yō sha o moto me ma shi ta

After facing harsh criticism, he asked those around him for mercy.

Core concept

The word describes holding back the harshest response because another person's situation or suffering receives consideration.

Common phrases

  • 容赦しないyō sha shi na i

    show no mercy

  • 容赦なく批判するyō sha na ku hi han su ru

    criticize mercilessly

  • 容赦を求めるyō sha o moto me ru

    ask for mercy

Similar words

情けnasake: The act of showing kindness by sparing someone from a severe response.
慈悲jihi: Merciful treatment based on concern for another person's suffering.
手加減tekagen: The practice of holding back some of the force or strictness used against someone.
勘弁kanben: Acceptance of an apology or request to avoid blame or punishment.

Definition in Japanese

相手の事情や苦しみをくんで、厳しい扱いや処分を控えること。ai te no ji jō ya kuru shi mi o ku n de kibi shi i atsuka i ya sho bun o hika e ru ko to

Word origin

The compound 容赦 (yōsha) combines 容 (yō, "accept") and 赦 (sha, "pardon"), linking acceptance with release from blame or harsh treatment.

Usage tips

  • Unlike a purely emotional feeling of pity, 容赦 (yōsha) often concerns whether someone is spared a strict response, which makes it suitable for formal judgments as well as everyday conflict.

Other meanings

  • leniencynoun
  • forgivenessnoun

Opposites

  • 無慈悲mujihimercilessna-adjective

Related words

  • 容赦するyōshasurushow mercyverb

Word lists with this word