Translation guide
Expressing pity in Japanese involves choosing between sympathy, compassion, or a sense of something being unfortunate. The most common expressions are かわいそう (feeling sorry for someone) and 気の毒 (a more formal, sometimes slightly detached sympathy). Direct translations like 哀れみ can sound literary or condescending, so learners should be careful with register.
Expressing that you feel bad for someone because they are in an unfortunate situation.
The most common and natural way to say 'poor thing' or 'I feel sorry for them.' Used for people, animals, or situations that evoke sympathy. Can sound slightly condescending if overused toward adults.
He lost his job, poor guy.
That puppy is all wet in the rain, poor thing.
A more formal or polite expression of sympathy. Often used when you feel sorry for someone's trouble or hardship. Can be used in business or with acquaintances. Less emotional than かわいそう.
I heard your mother was hospitalized, I'm so sorry to hear that.
That's really unfortunate.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary word meaning pitiful or wretched. Often used for children or the weak. Can sound overly sentimental or condescending in modern conversation.
I can't help but feel pity for children without parents.
Saying that something is a pity or too bad, without necessarily focusing on a person.
The standard way to say 'that's a pity' or 'that's too bad.' Used for missed opportunities, disappointing outcomes, or unfortunate events. Casual form is 残念, polite is 残念です.
It's a pity the picnic was canceled because of rain.
It's a pity I couldn't meet him.
Used when something is almost achieved but falls short, or when a good opportunity is wasted. 'What a pity' or 'so close!' Often used in sports or competitions.
Expresses regret over waste or underuse. 'What a waste' or 'too good to waste.' Can be used for objects, opportunities, or people's abilities.
Expressing a deeper, sometimes condescending pity that implies mercy or compassion for the weak.
A literary or formal word for pity, mercy, or compassion. Can sound patronizing if used in everyday speech. Often appears in religious or philosophical contexts.
He showed mercy to his enemy.
Sympathy or compassion. More neutral than 哀れみ and commonly used in modern Japanese. Can be used for feeling sorry for someone's situation without condescension.
Feeling sorry for oneself.
The most direct way to express self-pity. Can be rephrased in various ways, e.g., 自分がかわいそうになる.
He's always feeling sorry for himself.
A literary or psychological term for self-pity. Rarely used in daily conversation.
to wallow in self-pity
English 'pity' can sound condescending in Japanese if translated directly as 哀れみ. Use かわいそう or 気の毒 for everyday sympathy, and 残念 for unfortunate situations.
かわいそう is more emotional and often used for children, animals, or close friends. 気の毒 is more polite and suitable for formal situations or when showing respect to the person you're pitying.
あと一点だったのに、惜しい！
Just one more point! What a pity!
It's a pity to waste such talent.
It's a pity to throw away food that's still edible.
彼の話を聞いて同情した。
I felt pity for him after hearing his story.