1.
sympathy, compassion, pity
Feeling sorry for someone else's suffering or misfortune. Can imply genuine empathy or, depending on context, condescending pity.
同情の余地がない。
There is no room for sympathy.
被害者に深く同情する。
I deeply sympathize with the victim.
同情だけでは問題は解決しない。
Sympathy alone won't solve the problem.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 同情する (sympathize, feel sorry for)
- 同情を集める (attract sympathy)
- 同情の余地 (room for sympathy)
- 同情的 (sympathetic)
USAGE NOTES:
同情 can carry either a positive or negative nuance. When used genuinely, it expresses heartfelt compassion. However, receiving 同情 can feel patronizing, so phrases like 同情はいらない (I don't need your pity) or 同情するなら金をくれ (If you're going to feel sorry for me, give me money instead) reflect resistance to being pitied.