Translation and Meaning of: 同情 - doujyou

The Japanese word 同情[どうじょう] is a term that carries significant emotional weight, often used to express compassion or empathy in difficult situations. If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in Japanese culture, understanding the meaning and use of this word can be essential for communicating more sensitively. In this article, we will explore everything from the translation and origin to the cultural context in which 同情 is used, as well as practical tips for memorization.

Meaning and Translation of 同情 [どうじょう]

同情 [どうじょう] is a word composed of the kanjis 同 (same) and 情 (feeling), forming the concept of "sharing feelings." In English, the closest translation would be "compassion" or "empathy," but it can also be interpreted as "pity" in certain contexts. Unlike in Portuguese, where "pity" can have a negative connotation, in Japanese, 同情 generally conveys a genuine feeling of solidarity.

It is worth noting that, while it can be used in formal and informal situations, 同情 is more common in dialogues where there is a tone of concern or emotional support. For example, when comforting someone who has experienced a loss, you can say "お気の毒に… 同情します" (I'm so sorry... I feel compassion for you).

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 同情 dates back to the Edo period when Confucian concepts like social harmony and empathy gained strength in Japan. The kanji 情, in particular, is associated with deep emotions and human relationships, reflecting the cultural importance of putting oneself in someone else's shoes. This explains why the word is so prevalent in everyday conversations and even in media such as dramas and animes.

In Japan, showing 同情 is seen as an act of respect and education, especially in times of mourning or difficulty. However, it is important to use it with discretion, as too much can come across as intrusive. For example, in work environments, a simple "ご愁傷様です" (My condolences) may be more appropriate than repeating 同情します several times.

Tips for Memorizing 同情 [どうじょう]

An effective way to memorize 同情 is to associate the kanjis that compose it. The 同 (same) and 情 (feeling) together form the idea of "feeling the same as another." If you are already familiar with words like 感情 (emotion) or 状況 (situation), this can help reinforce the meaning more quickly.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as "彼の境遇に同情した" (I felt compassion for his situation). Writing down examples in a notebook or an app like Anki also reinforces learning. Remember that the pronunciation "dōjō" can be confused with 道場 (training place), so pay attention to the context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 哀れむ (awaremu) - To feel compassion or sadness for someone; to lament.
• 思いやる (omoiyaru) - To have consideration or empathy for the feelings of others.
• 憐れむ (awaremu) - Feel pity or compassion for someone in trouble.
• 共感する (kyoukansuru) - To feel empathy or identification with another person's feelings.
• 同感する (doukan suru) - To have a similar opinion or feeling to another person; to agree emotionally.
• 慰める (nagusameru) - Comforting someone who is sad or in suffering.
• 励ます (hagemasu) - To encourage or support someone, especially in difficult times.

同情

Romaji: doujyou
Kana: どうじょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: friendliness; compassion; to sympathize; pity; feeling for

Meaning in English: sympathy;compassion;sympathize;pity;feel for

Definition: To understand and have empathy with the sadness and suffering of others.

Example Sentences - (同情) doujyou

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女の悲しみに同情します。

Watashi wa kanojo no kanashimi ni dōjō shimasu

I empathize with her sadness.

I sympathize with her sadness.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 悲しみ (kanashimi) - It means "sadness" in Japanese.
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or direction
• 同情します (doujou shimasu) - means "sympathize" or "have compassion" in Japanese