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.
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
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.