(かいがい)しい

かいがいしい
i-adjective
devoted; diligent; attentive
1. devoted; diligent; attentive; industrious
Working or caring for someone with energetic dedication and attentiveness. Often describes someone bustling about to help or serve others with enthusiasm and care.
彼女(かのじょ)甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しく病人(びょうにん)世話(せわ)をした。
She devotedly cared for the sick person.
(はは)甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しく家事(かじ)をこなす。
Mother diligently takes care of the housework.
甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しく(はたら)姿(すがた)感心(かんしん)した。
I was impressed by how industriously they worked.

CONJUGATION:

  • 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しい → 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しくない (negative)
  • 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しい → 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しく (adverbial form)
  • 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しい → 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しかった (past)

USAGE:

Describes someone working with energetic devotion, often in a caregiving or service role. Commonly used with:

  • 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しく世話(せわ)をする (to care for devotedly)
  • 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しく(はたら)く (to work diligently)
  • 甲斐甲斐(かいがい)しい態度(たいど) (attentive manner)

NUANCE:
Conveys a positive image of someone bustling about with purpose and dedication. Often used to describe devoted care, housework, or hospitality.

RELATED:
From 甲斐(かい) (worth, effect), suggesting that one's efforts are worthwhile.

Related Words

Related: まめ (diligent)