1.
excessive concern; unsolicited advice born of worry; overly solicitous care
Literally 'old woman's heart.' Used when offering advice or concern that the speaker acknowledges may be unwanted or unnecessary. Often used self-deprecatingly.
A useful word for politely prefacing advice that the listener may not have asked for. The speaker uses it to soften the imposition, acknowledging that their concern might be excessive or unwelcome. Despite the literal meaning, it is used by both men and women.
Common patterns
- 老婆心ながら: with all due concern (humble preface to advice)
- 老婆心から言うと: speaking from concern
- 老婆心かもしれませんが: this may be unsolicited, but...
Cultural note
Originally from Buddhist texts, describing the boundless compassion of a grandmother for her grandchildren. In modern usage, it has shifted to a self-deprecating way of offering unwanted advice. It does not carry a negative connotation toward old women.