Japanese word

情

Pronunciation

Romajijō

Meaning

  • nounfeelings

Example

人の情は簡単には変わりません。hito no jō wa kan tan ni wa ka wa ri ma se n

Human feelings do not change easily.

Illustration for 情 (feelings)

More examples

別れが近づくと、相手への情が深まります。waka re ga chika zu ku to ai te e no jō ga fuka ma ri ma su

As our parting approaches, my affection for them deepens.

Core concept

Describes inner feelings that shape a person's attitude toward others, ranging from personal affection to compassion.

Common phrases

  • 情に流されるjō ni naga sa re ru

    be swayed by emotion

  • 情が深いjō ga buka i

    be deeply affectionate

  • 情をかけるjō o ka ke ru

    show compassion

Similar words

愛情aijō: A strong feeling of love and care directed toward another person.
人情ninjō: Human warmth and sympathy expressed in relationships with other people.
情けnasake: Kindness and compassion offered to a person who needs help.

Definition in Japanese

人や物事に対して抱く心の動きや、他者を思いやる気持ち。hito ya mono goto ni tai shi te ida ku kokoro no ugo ki ya ta sha o omo i ya ru ki mo chi

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 情 (jō, "feelings") comes from the Chinese character 情, whose established meanings include feelings, affection, and compassion.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 情がある (jō ga aru) describes a person who shows human warmth and compassion rather than acting coldly.

Other meanings

  • affectionnoun
  • compassionnoun

Opposites

  • 無情mujōheartlessnessnoun
  • 非情hijōcallousnessnoun

Word lists with this word