Translation guide
The English phrase "care for" has several distinct meanings: looking after someone/something, liking or wanting something (often in questions/negatives), and providing medical care. Each meaning uses different Japanese expressions.
To provide care, supervision, or assistance to a person, animal, or thing.
The most common and general way to say "take care of" or "look after" someone or something.
彼女は子供の世話をしています。
She is caring for the children.
I was asked to care for the neighbor's dog.
Similar to 世話をする, but often implies a more personal, hands-on involvement, like looking after a child or elderly relative.
祖母の面倒を見るのは大変です。
Caring for my grandmother is tough.
Specifically refers to nursing care, often for the elderly or disabled. Used in formal or professional contexts.
彼は在宅で父親を介護している。
He cares for his father at home.
To express a liking or desire for something, typically used in offers or polite inquiries.
A polite way to offer something, equivalent to "Would you care for some...?"
コーヒーはいかがですか。
Would you care for some coffee?
A more direct way to ask if someone wants something. Less formal than いかがですか.
何か飲み物が欲しいですか。
Would you care for something to drink?
Used in negative statements to say "I don't care for..." meaning "I don't like..."
私は辛い食べ物を好まない。
I don't care for spicy food.
To give medical treatment or attention to a patient.
General term for medical treatment. Can be used for both physical and mental conditions.
その医者は多くの患者を治療している。
The doctor cares for many patients.
Specifically means "to see (a patient)" as a doctor. Commonly used in clinical settings.
先生は一日に50人の患者を診ます。
The doctor cares for 50 patients a day.
Refers to nursing care, often by a nurse rather than a doctor.
看護師が患者を看護する。
Nurses care for patients.
While 世話をする can mean "care for" in a general sense, it is not used for professional medical treatment. Use 治療する or 診る instead.
医者が患者の世話をする。
The doctor cares for the patient. (unnatural)
Both mean "to look after," but 面倒を見る often implies a closer, more personal relationship or a greater burden. 世話をする is more neutral and can be used for pets, plants, or simple tasks.