noun
consolation money; damages; solatium
Legal and everyday term for monetary compensation paid to soothe emotional distress or as reparation, especially in divorce or personal injury cases.
離婚の慰謝料として500万円を請求した。
She demanded 5 million yen as consolation money for the divorce.
事故の被害者に慰謝料が支払われ
Damages were paid to the victim of the accident.
損害賠償 is a broader legal term for compensation for actual damages (property, medical costs, etc.), while 慰謝料 specifically compensates for emotional distress or pain and suffering.
示談金 is money paid in an out-of-court settlement, often to avoid a lawsuit, and may include elements of 慰謝料 but is not limited to emotional distress.
Compound of 慰謝 (isha, 'consolation') + 料 (ryō, 'fee, charge'). The kanji 謝 carries the sense of apology or recompense.