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.
She is a very sympathetic person.
To feel sympathy or pity for someone's misfortune. Often used as a verb.
I sympathize with his situation.
To feel sorry for someone; implies a sense of pity. Common in spoken Japanese.
Empathetic; more clinical or psychological. Less common in everyday speech.
The counselor approached with a sympathetic attitude.
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.
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.
I feel sorry for him losing his job.
Are you sympathetic to that proposal?
Favorable or well-disposed toward something. Often used with 態度 (attitude) or 反応 (reaction).
He showed a sympathetic reaction to the plan.
To show understanding or sympathy for a position or viewpoint.
The government was sympathetic to the protesters' demands.
His sympathetic attitude ended up hurting the other person.