Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Care" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "care", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
世話
せわ (sewa)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いたわる
いたわる (itawaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "care" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 世話 and いたわる.
In Japanese, 世話 (せわ (sewa)) is typically associated with "care; looking after; trouble; help; assistance" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to taking care of, looking after, or receiving help and assistance. Also used in greetings as お世話になる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Care! Looking after! "Thank you for taking care of me, Haruka-san!" ...っ, I-I don't mind looking after you for the rest of your life! So... let me take care of you forever!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『せわ（世話 / お世話）よ！『いつもお世話してくれてありがとうございます』って…っ、あんたの世話なら一生焼いてあげてもいいんだから！…だから、私にずっとお世話されなさい！』.
On the other hand, いたわる (いたわる (itawaru)) maps to "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！』. A literal translation of "care" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "世話"
彼女は仕事で忙しい両親に代わって、毎日幼い弟たちの_______を一人で黙々と引き受けていました。
On behalf of her parents who were busy with work, she silently took on the care of her young younger brothers alone every day.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は仕事で忙しい両親に代わって、毎日幼い弟たちの_______を一人で黙々と引き受けていました。" (Meaning: "On behalf of her parents who were busy with work, she silently took on the care of her young younger brothers alone every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "世話" fits here because it means "care; looking after; trouble; help; assistance" in the context of: "On behalf of her parents who were busy with work, she silently took on the care of her young younger brothers alone every day.". "いたわる" represents "care for; show sympathy; be kind to (tired/weak); console".