B1 verb Neutral 1 min read

気遣う

kizukau /kʲiꜜzukaɯ/
Practice it

To show genuine concern and consideration for someone else's feelings or situation.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To show thoughtful concern for someone's well-being.
  • Used to express empathy and consideration in social interactions.
  • Combines the concepts of worry and active care.

Overview

  1. 1概要：「気遣う」は、相手の状態や気持ちを推し量り、それに対して心を配ることを指します。単に心配するだけでなく、相手を思いやる「配慮」のニュアンスが含まれるのが特徴です。2) 使用パターン：「～を気遣う」という形で目的語を伴うのが一般的です。相手の健康、体調、あるいは忙しさや困難な状況に対して使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：病気の人をいたわる時、遠方から来た人を労う時、またビジネスシーンで相手の多忙を慮る時など、日常からフォーマルまで幅広く使われます。4) 類語との比較：「心配する」は単に悪い結果を懸念する感情ですが、「気遣う」は相手への敬意や思いやりというポジティブな行動の動機が含まれます。「慮る（おもんぱかる）」はより深く推察するという意味で、少し硬い表現になります。

Examples

1

遠くから来てくれた友人を気遣う。

everyday

I show consideration for my friend who came from far away.

2

お気遣いいただき、感謝いたします。

formal

Thank you for your consideration.

3

体調を気遣うメッセージを送る。

informal

Sending a message to check on someone's health.

4

被災者の心情を気遣う。

academic

Being mindful of the feelings of the disaster victims.

Common Collocations

体調を気遣う to care about someone's health
お気遣いありがとうございます thank you for your thoughtfulness
相手を気遣う言葉 words of consideration for others

Common Phrases

お気遣いなく

Please don't worry about me.

温かいお気遣い

Warm consideration.

相手を気遣う

To be considerate of others.

Often Confused With

気遣う vs 気を使う

This often implies being overly cautious or feeling exhausted by trying to please others. 'Kizukau' is more about genuine care.

気遣う vs 心配する

This focuses on the feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad might happen. It lacks the positive 'care' aspect of 'kizukau'.

Grammar Patterns

Aを気遣う お気遣いありがとうございます 〜を気遣ってくれる

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Kizukau is a versatile verb used to express empathy. In formal settings, it is almost always used as 'okizukai' (noun form) to thank someone for their kindness. It is a highly valued trait in Japanese society to be able to 'kizukau' others.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse it with 'ki o tsukau', which can sound like you are stressed by the interaction. Ensure you use the correct conjugation. Remember that 'kizukau' is a transitive verb taking 'o'.

Tips

💡

Focus on the nuance of empathy

Remember that 'kizukau' implies active kindness. It is not just feeling worried, but showing that you understand the other person's struggle.

⚠️

Avoid overuse in casual speech

While polite, using it too much with close friends might sound slightly stiff. Use it when you genuinely want to show deep care.

🌍

The importance of consideration in Japan

In Japanese culture, 'kizukai' is a vital social skill. It shows you are aware of your surroundings and the feelings of others.

Word Origin

Derived from 'ki' (mind/heart) and 'tsukau' (to use). It literally means 'using one's mind/heart' for the benefit of another person.

Cultural Context

The concept of 'kizukai' is fundamental to Japanese hospitality (omotenashi). It reflects the ability to anticipate someone's needs before they even ask.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Kizukau' as 'Ki' (mind/spirit) + 'zukau' (to use/direct). You are directing your mind toward someone else's well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「心配する」は自分の感情として不安を感じることに重点がありますが、「気遣う」は相手に対する思いやりや行動を伴う配慮に重点があります。

はい、非常によく使われます。「ご多忙の折、お気遣いいただきありがとうございます」のように、相手の配慮に対する感謝を表す定型句として重要です。

「気遣う」そのものは使えますが、目上の人に対しては「お気遣いありがとうございます」のように敬語表現にするのが一般的です。

「気を使う」は相手に配慮しすぎて疲れるというニュアンスが含まれることがありますが、「気遣う」はより純粋に思いやりの気持ちを指します。

Test Yourself

fill blank

病気の友人を___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 気遣う

相手を思いやる文脈では「気遣う」が適切です。

Score: /1

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