1.
consolation money; damages for emotional suffering; compensation
Money paid as compensation for mental or emotional suffering caused by someone's wrongful act. A legal term commonly encountered in divorce cases, personal injury, and defamation.
慰謝料を請求した。
I filed a claim for damages.
離婚の際に慰謝料を支払った。
He paid consolation money at the time of the divorce.
交通事故の慰謝料の金額をめぐって裁判になった。
It went to court over the amount of compensation for the traffic accident.
A legal term that has become widely known through media coverage of divorce and accident cases.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 慰謝料を請求する (to claim damages)
- 慰謝料を支払う (to pay damages)
- 慰謝料を受け取る (to receive damages)
- 離婚慰謝料 (divorce settlement money)
USAGE NOTE:
In Japanese law, 慰謝料 specifically compensates for emotional or psychological suffering, distinct from 損害賠償 (general damages, including material losses). It is most commonly associated with divorce cases involving infidelity.