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
労る
いたわる (itawaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "care" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 世話 and 労る.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "労る" represents "to care for; to be kind to; to console (someone weak or suffering)".