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.
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.
Caring for my grandmother is tough.
Specifically refers to nursing care, often for the elderly or disabled. Used in formal or professional contexts.
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...?"
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.
Would you care for something to drink?
Used in negative statements to say "I don't care for..." meaning "I don't like..."
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.
The doctor cares for many patients.
Specifically means "to see (a patient)" as a doctor. Commonly used in clinical settings.
Refers to nursing care, often by a nurse rather than a doctor.
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.
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.
The doctor cares for 50 patients a day.