1.
care, looking after, help
Taking care of someone or helping with their needs.
子供の世話をする。
To take care of children.
Without お = more casual
猫の世話は毎日大変だ。
Taking care of a cat is a lot of work every day.
母は祖父の世話をしながら、仕事も続けている。
My mother continues working while also taking care of my grandfather.
2.
assistance, favor (in set phrases)
Used in polite expressions to acknowledge help received.
いつもお世話になっています。
Thank you for always taking care of me.
Very common polite expression
お世話になりました。
Thank you for your help.
Said when leaving or concluding
入院していたとき、看護師さんにお世話になった。
The nurses took care of me when I was in the hospital.
お世話 is the polite form; 世話 alone is neutral.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- お世話になる (receive someone's care/help)
- お世話になっております (business greeting: 'Thank you for your continued support')
- お世話になりました (Thank you for everything)
- 世話をする/をやく (to take care of, to look after)
COLLOCATIONS:
- 世話が焼ける (to be troublesome to deal with)
- 世話がない (be no trouble)