Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Care" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "care", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
労る
いたわる (itawaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
気遣い
きづかい (kidukai)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "care" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 労る and 気遣い.
In Japanese, 労る (いたわる (itawaru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 気遣い (きづかい (kidukai)) maps to "care / Sorge" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "care" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "気遣い"
これはとても気遣いですね。
This is very care / Sorge, isn't it?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "病気の母を ＿＿＿ 気持ちで接した。" (Meaning: "I treated my sick mother with a caring heart.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "労る" fits here because it means "to care for; to be kind to; to console (someone weak or suffering)" in the context of: "I treated my sick mother with a caring heart.". "気遣い" represents "care / Sorge".