Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Care" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "care", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いたわる
いたわる (itawaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
労る
いたわる (itawaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "care" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いたわる and 労る.
In Japanese, いたわる (いたわる (itawaru)) is typically associated with "care for; show sympathy; be kind to (tired/weak); console" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to caring for, showing sympathy, or being extremely kind to someone who is tired, weak, elderly, or working hard. Often written as 労わる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Compassion? Caring? Caring for a tired subordinate is the highest duty of a beautiful, capable manager! So eat this homemade hot soup I made for you and rest!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『労わるのは上司（妻候補）として当然の義務よ！はい、残業でクタクタのあんたのために私が作った、具だくさんの熱いスープ！冷めないうちに食べて元気出しなさい！』.
On the other hand, 労る (いたわる (itawaru)) maps to "to care for; to be kind to; to console (someone weak or suffering)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 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.. A literal translation of "care" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いたわる"
お互いの労苦を_______合うことで、チームの結束力はさらに高まっていきます。
By caring for and appreciating each other's hard work, the team's solidarity will rise even further.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お互いの労苦を_______合うことで、チームの結束力はさらに高まっていきます。" (Meaning: "By caring for and appreciating each other's hard work, the team's solidarity will rise even further.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いたわる" fits here because it means "care for; show sympathy; be kind to (tired/weak); console" in the context of: "By caring for and appreciating each other's hard work, the team's solidarity will rise even further.". "労る" represents "to care for; to be kind to; to console (someone weak or suffering)".