Translation guide
The English word "sympathetic" has two main meanings: (1) showing compassion or understanding for someone's suffering, and (2) being in agreement or favorable toward an idea. These map to different Japanese expressions.
Expressing that you feel sorry for someone and understand their problems.
Describes a person who is considerate and empathetic. Often used for a sympathetic nature or attitude.
彼女はとても思いやりのある人です。
She is a very sympathetic person.
To feel sympathy or pity for someone's misfortune. Often used as a verb.
Showing agreement or support for a plan, idea, or person.
To agree with or approve of a proposal or idea. Commonly used for being sympathetic to a cause.
その提案に賛成ですか？
Are you sympathetic to that proposal?
While 同情的 exists, it often sounds more like 'pitying' or 'condescending' rather than the warm, understanding sense of 'sympathetic'. Use 思いやりのある or 同情する instead for natural expression.
彼の同情的な態度はかえって相手を傷つけた。
His sympathetic attitude ended up hurting the other person.
彼の状況に同情します。
I sympathize with his situation.
To feel sorry for someone; implies a sense of pity. Common in spoken Japanese.
彼が仕事を失って気の毒に思います。
I feel sorry for him losing his job.
Empathetic; more clinical or psychological. Less common in everyday speech.
カウンセラーは共感的な態度で接した。
The counselor approached with a sympathetic attitude.
Favorable or well-disposed toward something. Often used with 態度 (attitude) or 反応 (reaction).
彼はその計画に好意的な反応を示した。
He showed a sympathetic reaction to the plan.
To show understanding or sympathy for a position or viewpoint.
政府は抗議者たちの要求に理解を示した。
The government was sympathetic to the protesters' demands.