A feeling of deep sympathy or sadness for someone's misfortune; often used in literary or emotional contexts.
I felt pity for his circumstances.
Describes someone or something that evokes pity due to being wretched or helpless; can be used as a な-adjective.
The abandoned puppy was pitiful.
Seeing his miserable figure, tears came to my eyes.
alas; alack
An archaic or literary interjection expressing sorrow or regret; rarely used in modern conversation.
Alas, everything vanished like a dream.
She felt pity for the lonely old man.
The pitiful boy could ask no one for help.
I felt a deep sense of pity at that sight.
He met a truly pitiful end.
哀れ can describe the pitifulness of things as well as people and often carries a tone of deep sorrow or tragedy, while 不憫 is centered on feeling sorry for a person's plight.
feel sorry for; pity
plaintive; piteous; doleful
Kana spelling; used when the kanji is avoided or for emphasis in literary contexts.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common and may carry a slightly more literary or classical feel.
Very rare kanji spelling; not recommended for general use.