Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing sympathy depends on the situation: sharing someone's feelings, feeling sorry for them, or understanding their position. The most common expressions are 同情する (dōjō suru) for pity/compassion, and 共感する (kyōkan suru) for sharing emotions. In casual conversation, phrases like 気持ちわかる (kimochi wakaru) are more natural.
Express pity or compassion for someone who is suffering or in a bad situation.
The standard verb for feeling sympathy or pity. Often used when someone is in trouble or has had bad luck. Can sound a bit formal or distant in casual settings.
彼の状況に同情する。
I sympathize with his situation.
If you sympathize with me, give me money. (a set phrase)
Literally 'think it's unfortunate/pitiful'. A softer, more personal way to express sympathy. Common in spoken Japanese.
彼女の話を聞いて、気の毒に思った。
I felt sorry for her after hearing her story.
A set phrase meaning 'That's too bad' or 'I'm sorry to hear that'. Used to express sympathy directly to someone. Can sound slightly formal or polite.
お気の毒に。大変でしたね。
I'm so sorry. That must have been tough.
Express that you feel the same way or deeply understand what someone is going through.
To empathize or share the same feeling. Often used for positive or neutral emotions as well as negative. Common in both casual and formal contexts.
彼の意見に共感する。
I sympathize with his opinion. / I share his view.
その映画の主人公に共感した。
I sympathized with the main character of that movie.
Literally 'understand the feeling'. Very natural in casual conversation. Implies you've been in a similar situation.
その気持ち、すごくわかる。
I totally sympathize with that feeling.
To empathize deeply, often used for fictional characters or artistic expression. More literary or psychological.
読者は主人公に感情移入しやすい。
Readers easily sympathize with the protagonist.
Express agreement with or support for someone's stance, often in a debate or conflict.
Literally 'understand someone's position'. A neutral way to show you see where they're coming from, without necessarily agreeing completely.
彼の立場を理解するが、賛成はできない。
I sympathize with his position, but I can't agree.
To align oneself with someone's opinion or action. Can imply active support or going along with a group.
彼の主張に同調する人は少ない。
Few people sympathize with his claim.
同情 (dōjō) is sympathy from a distance, often with a sense of pity. 共感 (kyōkan) is sharing the feeling as if it were your own. Use 同情 for misfortunes, 共感 for emotions and opinions.
彼の失敗に同情するが、共感はできない。
I sympathize with his failure (feel sorry), but I can't empathize (share the feeling).
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'sympathize with'. Translating directly as 同情する can sound overly dramatic or pitying in casual contexts. Use 気持ちわかる or 共感する for everyday empathy.