寄(よ)り添(そ)う

よりそう
verb (godan)
to stay close, to snuggle up, to be supportive
1. to snuggle up, to nestle close, to lean against
To physically move close to someone and stay by their side.
二人(ふたり)で寄(よ)り添(そ)う。
The two of them snuggle close together.
寒(さむ)い夜(よる)に寄(よ)り添(そ)って歩(ある)いた。
We walked close together on a cold night.
子猫(こねこ)が母猫(ははねこ)に寄(よ)り添(そ)って眠(ねむ)っている。
The kitten is sleeping nestled against its mother.
2. to be emotionally supportive, to empathize with
To stand by someone emotionally, showing understanding and compassion.
気持(きも)ちに寄(よ)り添(そ)う。
To empathize with someone's feelings.
患者(かんじゃ)の心(こころ)に寄(よ)り添(そ)う医療(いりょう)を目指(めざ)す。
We aim for healthcare that is emotionally supportive of patients.
辛(つら)いときに寄(よ)り添(そ)ってくれる人(ひと)がいるのは本当(ほんとう)にありがたい。
Having someone who stands by you during hard times is truly something to be grateful for.

CONJUGATION (godan-u):

  • Negative: 寄(よ)り添(そ)わない
  • Te-form: 寄(よ)り添(そ)って
  • Past: 寄(よ)り添(そ)った

TRANSITIVITY:
Intransitive. Takes に for the person/thing being stayed close to.

USAGE:
Sense 2 has become extremely popular in recent years, especially in healthcare, education, and customer service contexts. The phrase ～に寄(よ)り添(そ)う is used to express compassionate, person-centered support.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 心(こころ)に寄(よ)り添(そ)う: to empathize with someone's heart
  • 気持(きも)ちに寄(よ)り添(そ)う: to be supportive of someone's feelings
  • 寄(よ)り添(そ)い合(あ)う: to support each other (mutual form)

Related Words

Related: 付(つ)き添(そ)う
general
Added 2026.2.8 14:27 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:42
10500/10587_yorisou