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た。
Damages were paid to the victim of the accident.
慰謝料 is money paid specifically for emotional pain and suffering, while 賠償金 covers compensation for damages more broadly, including material loss.
Standard kanji spelling for consolation money or damages.
Rarely used kanji form; 藉 is not a jōyō kanji.
Compound of 慰謝 (isha, 'consolation') + 料 (ryō, 'fee, charge'). The kanji 謝 carries the sense of apology or recompense.