noun
helpful person; person who likes looking after others
Describes someone who willingly takes care of others or meddles in a positive, caring way. Often used affectionately.
彼女は世話焼きで、いつも周りの人の面倒を見ている。
She is a helpful person who always looks after those around her.
noun
overly helpful person; annoyingly helpful person; busybody
Carries a negative nuance of excessive meddling or unwanted helpfulness. Can be used critically or jokingly.
あの世話焼きには本当に困ったものだ。
That busybody really is a nuisance.
noun
manager; go-between; caretaker
Refers to a person who acts as an intermediary or takes charge of practical arrangements, often in a community or family context. Less common than the first two senses.
町内会の世話焼きとして、彼は行事の手配を一手に引き受けている。
As the neighborhood association's caretaker, he handles all the event arrangements.
Compound of 世話 (care, help) and 焼き (from 焼く, here meaning 'to meddle' or 'to be deeply involved'). The exact derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since the Edo period.