かわいそう

かわいそう
na-adjective
pitiful, pathetic, poor (thing)
1. pitiful, pathetic, poor (thing)
Evoking sympathy or pity; unfortunate; deserving compassion.
かわいそうな子犬(こいぬ)を助(たす)けた。
I rescued a poor puppy.
彼(かれ)は本当(ほんとう)にかわいそうだ。
I really feel sorry for him.
そんなことを言(い)うなんてかわいそうに。
Poor thing, to have that said to them.
Expression of sympathy

かわいそう expresses pity or sympathy for someone or something in an unfortunate situation.

FORMS:

  • かわいそうな + noun (pitiful ~)
  • 〜がかわいそうだ (feel sorry for ~)
  • かわいそうに (expression: poor thing)

KANJI:

  • Sometimes written 可哀想(かわいそう) or 可哀相(かわいそう)
  • Hiragana is more common

USAGE NOTES:

  • Do not confuse with かわいい (cute)
  • かわいそうに as an exclamation expresses sympathy

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 気(き)の毒(どく): pitiful, unfortunate (slightly more formal)
  • 哀(あわ)れ: pathetic, pitiful (literary)
  • 不憫(ふびん): pitiable (literary)

Related Words

Synonym: 気(き)の毒(どく) (pitiful)
Contrast: かわいい (cute)
general
Added 2026.1.11 19:24 · Revised 2026.1.20 15:02
02500/02580_kawaisou