いじらしい
いじらしい
i-adjective
touching; pitiful; heartwarming
1.
touching; heartwarming
Evoking sympathy and affection, especially when someone weaker or younger tries hard despite difficulties.
幼い弟が一生懸命手伝おうとする姿がいじらしい。
It's touching how my little brother tries so hard to help.
親を心配させまいと我慢している子供の姿がいじらしかった。
It was touching to see the child enduring so as not to worry their parents.
いじらしいほど健気に頑張っている。
They're working so bravely it's touching.
CONJUGATION:
- いじらしい → いじらしく (adverbial)
- いじらしい → いじらしくない (negative)
- いじらしい → いじらしかった (past)
- いじらしい → いじらしさ (noun form)
USAGE:
Describes a feeling of warm sympathy mixed with admiration, typically toward someone weaker or younger who is trying their best. Often used for children, animals, or people in difficult situations showing courage.
NUANCE:
Always positive and sympathetic. The speaker feels moved by the subject's earnest efforts despite vulnerability. Different from 可哀想 which is purely pitying - いじらしい includes admiration for the subject's spirit.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 健気 - brave, admirable (especially of someone weak)
- 可愛らしい - adorable, charming
- 切ない - heartrending, poignant
Related Words
Related:
健気 (brave/admirable)