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.
憐れみの目で見られた。
I was looked at with eyes of pity.
敵にも憐れみを持つべきだ。
One should have mercy even toward enemies.
彼女の話を聞いて、憐れみの気持ちが込み上げてきた。
Listening to her story, a feeling of compassion welled up inside me.
USAGE:
Also written as 哀れみ, though 憐れみ is more common when emphasizing compassion toward someone's suffering. When used with の目で見る (to look at with eyes of pity), it often implies a condescending feeling that the recipient may not welcome.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 憐れみを感じる (to feel pity)
- 憐れみの目 (eyes of pity)
- 憐れみを乞う (to beg for mercy)
- 憐れみを持つ (to have compassion)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 同情: sympathy — more neutral, less condescending
- 慈悲: mercy, benevolence — Buddhist/religious tone, more elevated
- 思いやり: consideration, thoughtfulness — warmer, without the pity nuance