Translation and Meaning of: 同情 - doujyou

The word 「同情」 (doujyou) is a Japanese term that can be translated as "compassion" or "sympathy." Etymologically, this word is composed of two kanji: 「同」 (dou) which means "equal" or "same," and 「情」 (jou) which means "emotion" or "feeling." Together, they form the idea of sharing the same emotions or feelings, which is the essence of the concept of compassion.

"「同情」 has a connotation of putting oneself in another's place and feeling the pain or joy that that person is experiencing. This reflects an emotional connection that goes beyond simple rational understanding of others' problems. This emotional connection is deeply valued in many cultures, including the Japanese, where empathy and understanding of others' feelings are fundamental in social interactions."

Origens e Uso

Historically, the expression 「同情」 has been used in Japanese literature, theater, and art to describe characters or situations where someone demonstrates a sincere understanding of another person's feelings. In a more modern context, 「同情」 can also refer to acts of charity or assistance, where there is a genuine desire to help based on this feeling of empathy.

A variation of the word, 「同情心」 (doujyou-shin), adds the suffix 「心」 (shin), which means "heart" or "mind," and speaks of a compassionate nature or an emotional disposition to feel compassion. This variation emphasizes the idea that compassion is not just a momentary action, but a quality embodied in a person's character.

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