いじらしい

i-adjective

lovable; sweet; charming

Describes someone or something that inspires protective affection, often because of vulnerability or earnest effort.

• 妹いもうとのいじらしい笑え顔がおを見みると、つい守まもってあげたくなる。

  When I see my little sister's sweet smile, I can't help but want to protect her.

• 彼かの女じょのいじらしい努ど力りょくに心こころを打うたれた。

  I was touched by her endearing efforts.

i-adjective

pitiful; pathetic; touching

Used when someone's vulnerable or struggling state evokes sympathy or a lump in the throat, rather than contempt.

• 彼かれのいじらしい姿すがたを見みて、涙なみだが出でそうになった。

  Seeing his pitiful figure, I almost cried.

• 子こ犬いぬが震ふるえながら寄よってくるのがいじらしかった。

  The puppy coming up to me while trembling was touching.