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日本語
同情 — meaning in English: sympathy
dōjō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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pity
エスケープ
esukēpu
クラウド
kuraudo
粘土
nendo
同情
dōjō
危機
kiki
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 同情 (dōjō) in conversations about personal experiences, particularly when discussing feelings of empathy towards someone's struggles. For example, it might be used when comforting a friend who has lost a loved one or expressing understanding in a difficult situation, such as discussing the hardships faced by a community after a natural disaster.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to 同情 (dōjō) is 哀れみ (awaremi), which conveys a more pitying sense of compassion. While 同情 implies a shared emotional understanding, 哀れみ can sometimes suggest a feeling of superiority over someone's misfortune. Thus, you might choose 同情 when expressing genuine empathy rather than pity.
Culture
The word 同情 (dōjō) has its roots in the characters 同 (dō), meaning 'same,' and 情 (jō), meaning 'feeling' or 'emotion.' This etymology reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on empathy and the importance of recognizing shared feelings, which is often highlighted in social and familial contexts. The concept of 同情 is deeply woven into Japanese traditions of collective harmony, where understanding and supporting one another is highly valued.
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