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世話が焼ける (せわがやける) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
be a handful ; require a lot of care ; be troublesome
Used for people (especially children, the elderly, or demanding individuals) who need constant attention or cause extra work for others. Often carries a slightly exasperated tone.
。
As you get older, you start to require more care.
Written forms 世せ 話わ が 焼や ける
世せ 話わ がやける
Kana spelling of the verb part; less common but still used.
Kanji 世 generation, world, society Similar words 手て がかかる Similar meaning, but 世話が焼ける emphasizes the burden on the caregiver, while 手がかかる focuses on the effort or time required.
世せ 話わ をする Means 'to take care of someone'; 世話が焼ける is the passive-like expression from the perspective of the person being cared for.
Etymology From 世話 (care, looking after) + が + 焼ける (to be burned, here figuratively meaning to be troubled or burdened). The phrase literally suggests that one's care is 'burned' or consumed, implying the person requires excessive attention.