慈悲(じひ)

じひ
noun
compassion, mercy
formalwrittenliteraryemotion
1. compassion, mercy, benevolence
Deep sympathy and concern for those who are suffering, often with a desire to help. Originally a Buddhist concept combining loving-kindness and empathy for pain.
慈悲(じひ)の心(こころ)を持(も)つ。
To have a compassionate heart.
仏(ほとけ)の慈悲(じひ)にすがる。
To rely on the mercy of the Buddha.
彼(かれ)は慈悲(じひ)深(ぶか)い人(ひと)で、困(こま)っている人(ひと)を見(み)ると必(かなら)ず助(たす)ける。
He is a deeply compassionate person who always helps those in trouble.

Etymology

慈(じ) (compassion, loving-kindness) + 悲(ひ) (sorrow, empathy for suffering). In Buddhist thought, 慈(じ) means giving happiness and 悲(ひ) means removing suffering.

Common collocations

  • 慈悲(じひ)の心(こころ): a compassionate heart
  • 慈悲(じひ)深(ぶか)い: deeply compassionate
  • 慈悲(じひ)をかける: to show mercy
  • 慈悲(じひ)にすがる: to beg for mercy

Cultural note

慈悲(じひ) is rooted in Buddhist philosophy. 観音(かんのん) (Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion) is the embodiment of 慈悲(じひ) in Japanese Buddhism. In everyday use, it retains a somewhat elevated, literary tone compared to 思(おも)いやり (consideration, empathy).

Related Words

Related: 思(おも)いやり (consideration, empathy)
Related: 同情(どうじょう) (sympathy)
Antonym: 無慈悲(むじひ) (merciless; ruthless)
Related: 憐(あわ)れみ (pity; compassion)
Related: 慈(いつく)しむ (to cherish, to care for tenderly)
Compare: 恩情(おんじょう) (compassion)
general
Added 2026.2.11 18:22 · Revised 2026.10.12 5:05
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