Translation guide
Describes something that evokes pity or compassion, often in a sorrowful or distressing way. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases that convey sadness, sympathy, or a pitiful state.
Expressing that someone or something is in a pitiful state, arousing compassion or sympathy.
An adjective meaning pitiful, miserable, or pathetic. Often used in literary or emotional contexts.
彼の哀れな姿を見て、涙が出た。
Seeing his pitiful figure, tears came to my eyes.
A common adjective meaning pitiful or poor thing. Used in everyday speech to express sympathy.
かわいそうに、彼は一人ぼっちだ。
Poor thing, he's all alone.
A na-adjective meaning pitiful or unfortunate. Often used to express sympathy for someone's misfortune.
それは気の毒な話ですね。
That's a pitiful story, isn't it.
An adjective meaning pitiful, heartbreaking, or tragic. Often used for scenes or events that cause emotional pain.
事故の現場は痛ましい光景だった。
The scene of the accident was a pitiful sight.
A na-adjective meaning pitiful or poor, often with a nuance of compassion. Slightly old-fashioned or literary.
不憫な子供たちに手を差し伸べる。
Reach out to the pitiful children.
Expressing that someone or something is so inadequate or miserable that it arouses contempt mixed with pity.
An adjective meaning pitiful, pathetic, or shameful. Often used when someone's actions or situation are disgracefully weak.
そんな言い訳をするなんて情けない。
It's pitiful to make such excuses.
An adjective meaning pitiful-looking or pathetic. Less common, often used to describe a pitiable appearance.
Describing something that stirs feelings of compassion and tenderness, often in a poignant way.
An adjective meaning touching, pitiful in an endearing way, or admirable for one's brave effort despite hardship.
彼女のいじらしい努力に心を打たれた。
I was moved by her pitiful yet admirable efforts.
A na-adjective meaning admirable, praiseworthy, or pitiful in a brave and touching way. Often used for someone who tries hard despite difficulties.
哀れ (aware) is more literary and can imply a deeper, sometimes aesthetic pity. かわいそう (kawaisou) is the most common and casual, used in everyday speech. 気の毒 (kinodoku) is slightly more formal and often used to express sympathy for someone's unfortunate situation.
English 'piteous' is relatively rare and literary. In Japanese, choose the word that matches the nuance: general pity (かわいそう), tragic pity (痛ましい), or contemptuous pity (情けない). Using 哀れ in casual conversation may sound overly dramatic.
An adjective meaning shameful, disgraceful, or pitiful in appearance or behavior. Focuses on how it looks to others.
彼の泣き方はみっともなかった。
His way of crying was pitiful.
捨てられた子犬は哀れっぽく鳴いていた。
The abandoned puppy was crying pitifully.
The sight of her working so bravely brought tears to my eyes.