godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
treat kindly; sympathize with; console
Used for showing gentle consideration toward someone who is weak, troubled, sad, or in a difficult position. It often implies kindness rather than mere pity.
彼女は落ち込んでいる友人をそっといたわった。
She gently comforted her friend who was feeling down.
お年寄りをいたわる気持ちを忘れないでください。
Please do not forget to be considerate toward elderly people.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
Often used with one's body, an injury, or a weakened person: to treat gently, rest, protect, or nurse back to health.
疲れた体をいたわって、今日は早めに寝た。
I took care of my tired body and went to bed early today.
痛む膝をいたわりながら、ゆっくり歩いた。
I walked slowly while taking care not to strain my aching knee.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
appreciate someone's efforts; recognize someone's hard work; reward for service
Used to acknowledge and kindly reward someone's toil or service. In modern everyday Japanese, ねぎらう is often the more direct word for this idea, while いたわる keeps a nuance of sympathetic consideration.
会社は長年の労をいたわって、退職者に記念品を贈った。
The company gave commemorative gifts to the retirees in appreciation of their many years of service.