いたわる
いたわる
verb (godan, transitive)
to care for; to treat with kindness; to show compassion
1.
to care for; to treat with kindness; to show compassion
To treat someone gently and with compassion, especially someone who is sick, elderly, weak, or in need of care.
病気の母をいたわる。
I care for my sick mother.
体をいたわってください。
Please take care of your health.
彼は部下をいたわる上司として知られている。
He is known as a boss who treats his subordinates with kindness.
TRANSITIVITY:
Transitive verb (他動詞). Takes を to mark the person or thing being cared for.
KANJI:
Can be written as 労る, though hiragana is more common.
USAGE:
いたわる implies gentle, compassionate treatment, often directed toward those who are vulnerable, tired, or in need. It suggests warmth and consideration rather than mere assistance.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 体をいたわる (to take care of one's body)
- 心をいたわる (to comfort/soothe)
- 老人をいたわる (to care for the elderly)
- いたわりの気持ち (feelings of compassion)
RELATED NOUN:
いたわり - compassion, kindness, tender care
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 気遣う - to be considerate/concerned about (more about attention)
- 世話をする - to look after (more practical care)
- 大切にする - to value/treasure (broader meaning)