Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "いたわる (itawaru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
労わる
いたわる (itawaru)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
労る
いたわる (itawaru)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "いたわる (itawaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 労わる (Level: N2): Translates to "to be kind to; to sympathize with; to console" and is used when 弱い立場の人や疲れている人に対して、「思いやりを持って優しく接する」ことを意味します。It means to treat someone in a vulnerable position or someone who is tired with kindness and compassion..
- 労る (Level: N2): Maps to "to care for; to be kind to; to console (someone weak or suffering)" and carries the nuance of To show kindness, sympathy, and care, especially towards those who are tired, old, sick, or in a vulnerable state. It's about tenderly looking after someone..
Bilingual Context for "労わる"
彼女は病気の子供を優しく労わった。
She kindly cared for her sick child.
Bilingual Context for "労る"
病気の母を労る気持ちで接した。
I treated my sick mother with a caring heart.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼女は病気の子供を優しく労わった。" (Meaning: "She kindly cared for her sick child.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "労わる" is used for "to be kind to; to sympathize with; to console" in the context: "She kindly cared for her sick child.".