かまう

かまう
verb (godan)
to mind, to care about
1. to mind, to care
To be concerned about or bothered by something. Often used in negative to mean 'not mind' or 'it's okay.'
私(わたし)のことはかまわないでください。
Please don't mind me. / Don't worry about me.
Very common expression
かまいませんよ。
I don't mind. / It's fine.
Polite way to say 'it's okay'
細(こま)かいことはかまわないで、先(さき)に進(すす)もう。
Don't worry about the small details, let's move forward.
2. to look after, to attend to
To give attention or care to someone or something.
子供(こども)をかまっている時間(じかん)がない。
I don't have time to look after the children.
'Attend to' meaning
猫(ねこ)がかまってほしそうにしている。
The cat looks like it wants attention.
かまってほしい = want attention
誰(だれ)もかまってくれない。
Nobody pays attention to me.

TRANSITIVITY: Both usages exist. Pattern: Xをかまう / Xにかまう (care about X) / かまわない (don't mind).

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action. かまっている = 'is attending to' or 'is paying attention to.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • かまわない (don't mind, it's okay)
  • かまわないでください (please don't worry about me)
  • 誰(だれ)もかまってくれない (nobody pays attention to me)
  • かまいません (I don't mind—polite)
  • おかまいなく (don't trouble yourself—set phrase)

NEGATIVE USAGE: This verb is very often used in the negative (かまわない = don't mind). The affirmative meaning 'to attend to' is less common.

WRITING: Usually written in hiragana. Can be written as 構(かま)う.

REGISTER: Neutral to casual.

general
Added 2026.1.8 21:21 · Revised 2026.3.7 10:53
01000/01212_kamau