情け

なさけ
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

pity, sympathy, or compassion felt toward someone's suffering or misfortune.

Noun

Examples

彼の失敗を見て、思わず情けを感じた。

Seeing his failure, I couldn't help feeling pity.

彼女は困っている人に情けをかけるタイプだ。

She's the kind who shows compassion to people in trouble.

「情けは人のためならず」ということわざがある。

There is a proverb: 'Kindness to others is not wasted' (meaning kindness will be repaid).

2

affection or tender feelings; in literary or older usage it can refer to love.

Noun

Examples

母親の情けは子供にとって大きな支えだ。

A mother's affection is a great support for a child.

彼への情けがいつしか愛情に変わった。

My pity/compassion for him eventually turned into affection.

古い物語には情け深い登場人物が多い。

Old tales often feature compassionate characters.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym