憐(あわ)れみ

あわれみ

noun

pity; compassion; mercy

1. pity; compassion; mercy; sympathy

A feeling of sorrow and concern for the suffering or misfortune of others. Can carry a slightly condescending nuance depending on context.

憐(あわ)れみの目(め)で見(み)られた。

I was looked at with eyes of pity.

敵(てき)にも憐(あわ)れみを持(も)つべきだ。

One should have mercy even toward enemies.

彼女(かのじょ)の話(はなし)を聞(き)いて、憐(あわ)れみの気持(きも)ちが込(こ)み上(あ)げてきた。

Listening to her story, a feeling of compassion welled up inside me.

Usage

Also written as 哀(あわ)れみ, though 憐(あわ)れみ is more common when emphasizing compassion toward someone's suffering. When used with の目(め)で見(み)る (to look at with eyes of pity), it often implies a condescending feeling that the recipient may not welcome.

Common collocations

憐(あわ)れみを感(かん)じる (to feel pity)
憐(あわ)れみの目(め) (eyes of pity)
憐(あわ)れみを乞(こ)う (to beg for mercy)
憐(あわ)れみを持(も)つ (to have compassion)

Similar words

同情(どうじょう): sympathy — more neutral, less condescending
慈悲(じひ): mercy, benevolence — Buddhist/religious tone, more elevated
思(おも)いやり: consideration, thoughtfulness — warmer, without the pity nuance

Related Words

Synonym: 同情(どうじょう) (more neutral sympathy)

Related: 慈悲(じひ) (mercy; Buddhist/elevated)

Synonym: 思(おも)いやり (consideration; warmer)

general

Added 2026.3.21 18:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

18000/18318_awaremi