Translation guide
Expressing sympathy or understanding for someone's situation or feelings in Japanese. The approach depends on the relationship and context.
To show that you feel for someone's hardship or misfortune.
A common, neutral way to express sympathy, like 'That must be tough.'
毎日残業で大変ですね。
Working overtime every day must be tough.
Sympathizing with a past difficult experience.
事故にあったそうで、それは大変でしたね。
I heard you were in an accident. That must have been awful.
A more formal expression of sympathy, often used for serious misfortunes.
ご家族が亡くなられたと聞きました。お気の毒に。
I heard your family member passed away. My condolences.
Expresses pity, often for someone in a pitiable situation. Can sound condescending if used inappropriately.
Use with care; can imply looking down on the person.
雨の中を歩いて帰ったの？かわいそうに。
You walked home in the rain? Poor thing.
To convey that you understand and share the person's emotional state.
Simply means 'I understand,' and is very common for sympathizing.
その気持ち、わかります。
I understand how you feel.
More explicitly 'I understand your feelings.'
仕事が大変なのは気持ちがわかります。
I understand how tough work can be.
Direct translation of 'sympathize,' but sounds stiff and is rarely used in casual conversation.
あなたの状況に同情します。
I sympathize with your situation.
To comfort someone and perhaps encourage them after a setback.
Asking 'Are you okay?' shows concern and sympathy.
顔色が悪いですね。大丈夫ですか。
You look pale. Are you okay?
Means 'Do your best' or 'Hang in there,' often used to encourage someone facing a challenge.
試験、頑張ってください。
Good luck on your exam.
Tells someone not to overdo it, showing concern for their well-being.
まだ熱があるなら、無理しないでください。
If you still have a fever, don't push yourself.
The verb 同情する (どうじょうする) is formal and can sound distant or judgmental. In most everyday situations, use phrases like 大変ですね or わかります instead.
Japanese often expresses empathy (understanding feelings) rather than sympathy (feeling pity). 気持ちがわかります (I understand your feelings) is more common than 同情します (I sympathize).