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共感する

B1 verb 10 min read

共感する

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 共感する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 共感する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to express feelings. Think of 'kyōkan suru' as a big word for 'I feel the same.' While you might not use 'kyōkan suru' in every sentence, you will see it on social media buttons. It is like saying 'I get it' or 'Me too' but for emotions. For example, if your friend says 'I am tired,' and you are also tired, you are having 'kyōkan.' In simple Japanese, we often just say 'Wakaru' (I understand/I get it). But 'kyōkan' is the official name for that feeling of sharing an emotion with someone else. Just remember: Kyō = together, Kan = feeling. Together-feeling!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'kyōkan suru' in simple sentences with the particle 'ni.' You might say 'I empathize with the movie character' (Eiga no shujinkō ni kyōkan shimasu). This level is about recognizing that empathy is different from just 'liking' something. You use it when a story or a person's words make you feel something in your heart. You might also see the word 'kyōkan' (empathy) on its own. For instance, 'Kyōkan ga daiji desu' (Empathy is important). It's a key word for making friends and showing you are a kind person in Japanese culture.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'kyōkan suru' (to empathize) and 'dōjō suru' (to sympathize/pity). B1 learners can use adverbs to modify the verb, such as 'fukaku kyōkan suru' (to deeply empathize). You are now able to explain *why* you empathize: 'Since I had a similar experience, I can empathize with her' (Onaji keiken ga aru node, kanojo ni kyōkan dekimasu). You'll also encounter this in 'reading the air' (kūki o yomu) contexts, where empathizing with the group's mood is essential for smooth communication in Japan.

At the B2 level, you can use 'kyōkan suru' in professional and social debates. You understand that 'kyōkan' is a core part of Japanese marketing (kyōkan māketingu) and interpersonal psychology. You can distinguish it from 'dōkan' (sharing the same opinion). You might say, 'I agree (dōkan) with your plan, but I don't empathize (kyōkan) with the way you feel about it.' You are also comfortable with the potential form 'kyōkan dekiru' and the noun phrase 'kyōkan o oboeru.' Your usage should reflect an understanding of the emotional depth required for this word.

At the C1 level, you use 'kyōkan suru' to discuss complex social issues and literary themes. You can talk about 'kyōkan-ryoku' (empathy ability) as a psychological construct. You might analyze how a political leader fails to achieve 'kyōkan' with the public. You understand the philosophical implications of 'shared feeling' in Japanese aesthetics and how it relates to concepts like 'mono no aware' (the pathos of things). You can use the word in formal writing, such as essays or reports, to describe the resonance between different social groups or the audience's reaction to a piece of art.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'kyōkan suru' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand its role in 'high-context' communication where empathy is often unspoken but deeply felt. You can critique the 'over-commercialization' of empathy in modern media or discuss the neurological basis of 'kyōkan' using specialized vocabulary. You are aware of the historical evolution of the term and how it differs from Western concepts of empathy. You can use it in highly nuanced ways, perhaps even ironically or to point out a lack of genuine connection in a 'hyper-empathetic' society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

共感する in 30 Seconds

Kyōkan suru means to empathize. It is a key Japanese word for emotional resonance and social harmony.
Use the particle 'ni' (〜に共感する) to indicate the person or feeling you are empathizing with.
It differs from 'dōjō' (pity) and 'sansei' (agreement) by focusing on shared emotional experience.
It is widely used in daily life, social media, marketing, and professional counseling contexts.

The Japanese verb 共感する (kyōkan suru) is a profound and essential term in the Japanese emotional landscape. At its core, it translates to 'to empathize' or 'to feel with' someone. Unlike simple agreement or logical understanding, kyōkan implies a resonance of the heart where one person’s emotional state is mirrored or deeply understood by another. In a society that highly values social harmony (wa) and the ability to 'read the air' (kūki o yomu), kyōkan serves as the glue that binds individuals together in shared experience.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is composed of two kanji: 共 (kyō), meaning 'together' or 'shared,' and 感 (kan), meaning 'feeling' or 'emotion.' When combined with the functional verb する (suru), it literally means 'to do shared feeling.' This linguistic structure emphasizes that empathy is an active, participatory process rather than a passive observation.
Daily Usage Contexts: You will encounter this word in a variety of settings, from casual conversations about a moving movie to deep psychological discussions. On Japanese social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, users often use the term to express that they relate to someone's struggles or joys. It is more than just 'liking' a post; it is saying, 'I have felt exactly what you are feeling right now.'

彼女の苦労話を聞いて、深く共感した。
Hearing the story of her hardships, I deeply empathized.

One of the most important aspects of kyōkan suru is its role in building trust. In Japanese business culture, showing empathy toward a client's needs or a colleague's challenges is often prioritized over immediate problem-solving. By saying '共感します' (I empathize), you are acknowledging the validity of the other person's internal world. This creates a safe space for communication.

この歌の歌詞には、多くの若者が共感している。
Many young people empathize with (relate to) the lyrics of this song.

In a literary or artistic context, kyōkan describes the connection between the audience and the creator. When a novelist describes a character's loneliness so vividly that the reader feels a pang in their own chest, that is kyōkan. It is the bridge between the 'I' and the 'Thou' in Japanese philosophy.

Social Media Terminology: In the digital age, '共感' has become a metric. Marketing agencies analyze '共感度' (kyōkando - empathy level) to see how well a campaign resonates with the target audience's values and emotions. If a brand can make a consumer feel kyōkan, they are likely to build long-term loyalty.

SNSで彼の意見に共感する人が続出した。
One after another, people on social media empathized with his opinion.

Finally, it is worth noting that kyōkan suru is often used with adverbs like 強く (tsuyoku - strongly) or 深く (fukaku - deeply) to emphasize the intensity of the connection. It is not just a mental acknowledgment; it is a visceral experience. When you use this word, you are signaling that you are not just listening, but truly feeling.

Using 共感する correctly requires an understanding of Japanese particle markers and the specific types of objects that one can empathize with. Typically, you empathize with a person (target) or with a specific sentiment, story, or opinion. The most common particle used to indicate the target of empathy is に (ni).

The ~に共感する Pattern: This is the standard construction. [Person/Thing] + に + 共感する. For example, '友人に共感する' (To empathize with a friend). It can also be applied to abstract concepts: '彼の考え方に共感する' (To empathize with his way of thinking).

私は彼の孤独感に強く共感した。
I strongly empathized with his sense of loneliness.

When you want to express that two or more people share the same feeling, you might use the noun form 共感 (kyōkan) with the verb を覚える (o oboeru), which means 'to feel' or 'to experience.' For example, '共感を覚える' (to feel empathy). This is slightly more formal and descriptive than the verb form.

その映画の主人公に共感できる部分は多い。
There are many parts where I can empathize with the protagonist of that movie.

In professional settings, kyōkan suru is often paired with respectful language. For instance, if a boss is sharing a vision, a subordinate might say '深く共感いたしました' (I deeply empathized/resonated with that) to show alignment and support. It is a powerful tool for 'nemawashi' (informal groundwork) and building consensus.

Common Adverb Pairings: 1. **全く (Mattaku)**: Completely empathize.
2. **心から (Kokoro kara)**: Empathize from the heart.
3. **思わず (Omowazu)**: Empathize instinctively/without thinking.

彼のスピーチに、会場全体が共感した。
The entire venue empathized with his speech.

One final point on usage: kyōkan suru is generally positive or neutral. It implies a 'shared' emotional burden or joy. If you are trying to say you 'agree' with a logical fact or a mathematical proof, you would use sansei suru (agree) or nattoku suru (be convinced), not kyōkan suru. Empathy requires a heart, not just a brain.

In modern Japan, 共感する is ubiquitous. You will hear it in variety shows, read it in self-help books, and see it in advertising slogans. It has become a buzzword for emotional intelligence and interpersonal connection. Understanding where it pops up will help you grasp the 'vibe' of contemporary Japanese culture.

In Media and Entertainment: Talk shows often feature a 'kyōkan' segment where guests discuss common life struggles (like the difficulty of waking up early or the pain of a breakup). The audience often presses a 'kyōkan button' to show they feel the same way. This collective validation is a major part of Japanese entertainment TV.

「わかる！」という言葉は、共感する時の最も一般的な表現です。
The word 'Wakaru!' (I get it!) is the most common expression when empathizing.

In the world of literature, especially 'Light Novels' and 'Shojo Manga,' the ability of the protagonist to evoke kyōkan is the key to success. Authors strive to create characters who are 'empathy-worthy' (共感できる). If a character is too perfect, the audience cannot kyōkan suru, and the story fails to connect.

カウンセラーは患者の痛みに共感することが求められる。
Counselors are required to empathize with the pain of their patients.

Business and marketing have also co-opted the term. 'Kyōkan Marketing' is a strategy where companies focus on showing they understand the customer's lifestyle and values rather than just listing product features. For example, an ad for a minivan might focus on the chaotic but joyful reality of a family trip, aiming to make parents kyōkan suru with the brand.

Educational Settings: Japanese schools often teach 'kyōkan-ryoku' (empathy power/ability) as a core soft skill. Children are encouraged to think about how their classmates feel, fostering a community-focused mindset from a young age.

子供たちに他人の気持ちに共感する大切さを教える。
Teach children the importance of empathizing with the feelings of others.

In summary, whether it is through a shared 'Wakaru!' in a cafe or a sophisticated marketing campaign, kyōkan suru is the heartbeat of Japanese interpersonal dynamics. It is the word you use when you want to say, 'I see you, I feel you, and you are not alone.'

While 共感する is a versatile word, English speakers often trip up on its specific nuances. The most common error is treating it as a direct synonym for 'agree' or 'understand.' In Japanese, these concepts are distinct, and using the wrong one can lead to awkward social interactions.

Mistake 1: Logical Agreement vs. Emotional Resonance: If someone says, 'I think we should increase the budget,' and you agree with the logic, do NOT say '共感します.' Instead, use '賛成します' (sansei shimasu - I agree) or '同感です' (dōkan desu - I have the same opinion). Kyōkan is for feelings, not spreadsheets.

✕ 彼の数学の理論に共感する。
〇彼の数学の理論に同意する。
Correct: I agree with his mathematical theory. (Empathy is not used for math!)

Another common pitfall is the confusion between kyōkan (empathy) and dōjō (sympathy/pity). As mentioned before, dōjō often implies a hierarchy—you are looking down on someone from a position of safety. Kyōkan is horizontal; you are standing beside them. Using dōjō when someone wants kyōkan can make you sound cold or arrogant.

✕ 貧しい人に共感してお金をあげた。
〇貧しい人に同情してお金をあげた。
Correct: I sympathized with the poor and gave them money. (Kyōkan is about the feeling, Dōjō is about the pity leading to action.)

A subtle mistake involves the particle usage. Some learners use o (を) instead of ni (に). While kyōkan o oboeru is correct (noun + object marker), kyōkan o suru is grammatically incorrect. It must be ni kyōkan suru. The target of your empathy is the destination of your feelings, hence the ni particle.

Mistake 2: Overusing the Word: While 'kyōkan' is common, saying it constantly in every conversation can come across as insincere or 'manual-like' (acting based on a textbook). In casual speech, it is often better to use 'わかる' (wakaru) or 'そうですよね' (sō desu ne) to show empathy naturally.

✕ (Casual) その気持ちに共感します。
〇 (Casual) わかる、その気持ち。
Correct: I get that feeling. (More natural in a casual chat.)

Finally, remember that kyōkan suru is an intransitive-style suru verb in terms of its relationship with the person. You don't 'empathize someone' like an object; you empathize with their state or soul. Keep your focus on the connection, and your Japanese will sound much more authentic.

To truly master 共感する, you must see how it fits into the constellation of related Japanese terms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for interpersonal feelings, and choosing the right one can change the entire tone of your sentence.

同感 (Dōkan) vs. 共感 (Kyōkan): 同感 (Dōkan): Literally 'same feeling.' It is used more for agreement on an opinion or a point of view. It is more intellectual than emotional. If someone says 'It's hot today,' you say 'Dōkan desu' (I agree). If someone says 'I'm lonely because it's hot and I'm alone,' you use 'Kyōkan' (I empathize with your loneliness).
同情 (Dōjō) vs. 共感 (Kyōkan): 同情 (Dōjō): Sympathy/Pity. This is feeling bad for someone. It often results in wanting to help them because they are in a 'lower' or more 'pitiful' state. Kyōkan is about shared experience, regardless of who is 'better off.'

彼の意見には同感だが、やり方には共感できない。
I agree with his opinion, but I can't empathize with his methods.

Other alternatives include 寄り添う (Yorisou). This literally means 'to nestle up to' or 'to stay close by.' It is a more poetic and physical way of showing empathy. While kyōkan is the internal feeling, yorisou is the act of supporting someone through that feeling.

被災者の心に寄り添う支援が必要だ。
Support that stays close to (empathizes with) the hearts of disaster victims is necessary.

In very formal or academic settings, you might see 感情移入 (Kanjō inyū). This means 'empathy' in the sense of 'emotional projection' or 'identification,' often used when discussing how a reader projects their feelings onto a fictional character. It is more technical than the everyday kyōkan suru.

Summary Table of Alternatives: 1. **わかる (Wakaru)**: Casual, 'I get it.'
2. **理解する (Rikai suru)**: Formal, 'To understand' (logical).
3. **賛成する (Sansei suru)**: Formal, 'To agree' (opinion).
4. **共鳴する (Kyōmei suru)**: Literary, 'To resonate' (vibrating with the same energy).

彼の情熱に多くの人が共鳴した。
Many people resonated with his passion. (Stronger, more poetic than kyōkan.)

By knowing these distinctions, you can navigate the complex emotional waters of Japanese conversation with precision. Don't just settle for 'kyōkan'—choose the word that fits the depth and nature of your connection.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While the kanji are ancient, the modern psychological use of 'kyōkan' as a translation for the Western concept of 'empathy' (Einfühlung in German) became prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the Meiji Restoration.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kjəʊkæn suːruː/

US /kjoʊkɑːn suːruː/

Kyō-KAN-su-ru (Stress is relatively flat, but 'kan' can have a slight pitch rise).

Rhymes With

Hyōkan (氷感 - feeling of ice) Ryōkan (旅館 - Japanese inn) Jōkan (情感 - emotion) Bōkan (傍観 - looking on) Chōkan (長官 - director) Shōkan (召還 - summons) Gōkan (強姦 - taboo word, be careful) Kōkan (交換 - exchange)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kyo' as two syllables (ki-yo). It is one smooth sound.
Shortening the long 'ō' in 'kyō'.
Pronouncing 'kan' like the English word 'can' (with an 'æ' sound). It should be 'ah'.
Stress on 'su' instead of the root word.
Mumbling the 'n' in 'kan'—it should be a clear nasal sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require N3 level to read fluently.

Writing 4/5

The kanji '感' has many strokes and is easy to miswrite.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common word, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

気持ち (Kimochi - Feeling) 一緒 (Issho - Together) わかる (Wakaru - To understand) 意見 (Iken - Opinion) 同じ (Onaji - Same)

Learn Next

同感 (Dōkan - Agreement) 同情 (Dōjō - Sympathy) 共鳴 (Kyōmei - Resonance) 寄り添う (Yorisou - To stay close/support) 察する (Sassuru - To guess feelings)

Advanced

以心伝心 (Ishin-denshin - Heart-to-heart communication) 阿吽の呼吸 (Aun no kokyū - Being in perfect sync) 感情移入 (Kanjō inyū - Emotional projection) 慈悲 (Jihi - Compassion/Mercy)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Group 3)

共感する、共感しない、共感した、共感しよう

The particle 'ni' for targets of emotion

彼『に』共感する

Potential form of suru-verbs (dekiru)

共感できる (Can empathize)

Adverbial form of adjectives (~ku/ni)

深く (fukaku) 共感する

Nominalization with 'koto' or 'no'

共感すること (The act of empathizing)

Examples by Level

彼の話に共感しました。

I empathized with his story.

Simple past tense of a suru-verb.

共感は大切です。

Empathy is important.

Noun form 'kyōkan' used as a subject.

私はあなたに共感する。

I empathize with you.

Standard 'ni kyōkan suru' pattern.

この絵に共感しますか？

Do you empathize with (relate to) this painting?

Question form using the 'ni' particle for the target.

みんなが共感した。

Everyone empathized.

Subject 'minna' (everyone) with past tense verb.

共感したいです。

I want to empathize.

Tai-form (want to) of the verb.

共感してください。

Please empathize with me.

Te-form + kudasai (please do).

共感はいいことです。

Empathy is a good thing.

Noun used with the copula 'desu'.

その映画の主人公に共感しました。

I empathized with the protagonist of that movie.

Compound noun 'eiga no shujinkō' as the target.

あなたの辛い気持ちに共感する。

I empathize with your painful feelings.

Targeting a specific emotion (tsurai kimochi).

共感できる友達がほしい。

I want a friend I can empathize with.

Potential form 'kyōkan dekiru' modifying 'tomodachi'.

彼の意見に共感できません。

I cannot empathize with his opinion.

Negative potential form.

この本を読むと共感します。

When I read this book, I empathize (with it).

Conditional 'to' (when/if).

SNSで共感を集める。

To gather empathy (likes/support) on social media.

Noun 'kyōkan' as a direct object of 'atsumeru'.

共感してくれてありがとう。

Thank you for empathizing with me.

Te-form + kurete arigatō (thank you for doing).

子供は親に共感する。

Children empathize with their parents.

General statement about a relationship.

彼女の過去の経験に深く共感した。

I deeply empathized with her past experiences.

Adverb 'fukaku' (deeply) modifying the verb.

この歌詞は多くの若者に共感されている。

These lyrics are empathized with by many young people.

Passive form 'kyōkan sarete iru'.

共感を得るためには、正直さが大切だ。

In order to gain empathy, honesty is important.

Noun 'kyōkan' + 'o eru' (to gain).

相手の立場になって共感してみよう。

Let's try to empathize by putting ourselves in the other person's shoes.

Volitional form 'shite miyō' (let's try to).

彼の苦しみには共感せざるを得ない。

I cannot help but empathize with his suffering.

Grammar 'se-zaru o enai' (cannot help but do).

共感力が高い人は、人間関係が上手だ。

People with high empathy skills are good at human relations.

Compound noun 'kyōkan-ryoku' (empathy power).

その話を聞いて、思わず共感の涙を流した。

Hearing that story, I unintentionally shed tears of empathy.

Noun-modifying 'kyōkan no' (of empathy).

他人に共感することは、社会生活の基本だ。

Empathizing with others is the basis of social life.

Nominalized verb clause 'suru koto'.

彼の論理には賛成だが、感情的には共感できない。

I agree with his logic, but emotionally I cannot empathize.

Contrast between 'sansei' and 'kyōkan'.

この広告は、消費者の共感を呼ぶように作られている。

This advertisement is made to evoke empathy from consumers.

Phrase 'kyōkan o yobu' (to evoke/call empathy).

リーダーには、部下の悩みに共感する姿勢が求められる。

Leaders are required to have an attitude of empathizing with subordinates' worries.

Noun 'shisei' (attitude/posture) modified by a clause.

作者のメッセージに共感する読者が増えている。

The number of readers who empathize with the author's message is increasing.

Progressive form 'fuete iru'.

共感という言葉は、現代社会において非常に重要だ。

The word 'empathy' is extremely important in modern society.

Phrase 'to iu kotoba' (the word called...).

彼女のスピーチは、聴衆の共感を強く誘った。

Her speech strongly invited (evoked) the audience's empathy.

Verb 'sasou' (to invite/lure).

共感を覚えるエピソードが満載のブログだ。

It's a blog full of episodes that one can empathize with.

Phrase 'kyōkan o oboeru' (to feel empathy).

他人の痛みに共感しすぎて、自分が疲れてしまった。

I empathized too much with others' pain and got exhausted myself.

Grammar 'sugi' (too much).

異文化間の壁を乗り越えるには、相互の共感が不可欠だ。

Mutual empathy is indispensable for overcoming walls between different cultures.

Noun 'sōgo no kyōkan' (mutual empathy).

文学の役割の一つは、読者に未知の世界への共感を促すことだ。

One role of literature is to prompt readers to empathize with unknown worlds.

Verb 'unagasu' (to prompt/encourage).

彼の冷淡な態度は、周囲の共感を得ることはなかった。

His cold attitude never gained the empathy of those around him.

Negative past 'eru koto wa nakatta'.

心理学的な観点から見れば、共感は生存戦略の一部である。

From a psychological perspective, empathy is part of a survival strategy.

Phrase 'kanten kara mireba' (looking from the perspective of).

政治家は国民の生活実態に共感しているとは言い難い。

It is hard to say that politicians empathize with the actual living conditions of the citizens.

Grammar 'ii-gatai' (hard to say).

共感の欠如が、多くの社会的な分断を引き起こしている。

A lack of empathy is causing many social divisions.

Noun 'kyōkan no keetsujo' (lack of empathy).

その悲劇的な事件に対して、世界中から共感のメッセージが届いた。

Messages of empathy arrived from all over the world regarding that tragic incident.

Phrase 'ni taishite' (regarding/towards).

共感という情動は、他者への奉仕の動機付けとなる。

The emotion called empathy becomes a motivation for serving others.

Noun 'jōdō' (emotion/affect).

共感の過剰な要求は、時として個人の自律性を損なう恐れがある。

Excessive demands for empathy may sometimes undermine an individual's autonomy.

Noun 'jiritusei' (autonomy) and 'osore ga aru' (fear/risk that).

認知的共感と情動的共感の乖離が、サイコパスの特徴とされる。

The divergence between cognitive empathy and affective empathy is considered a characteristic of psychopaths.

Technical terms 'ninchiteki' and 'jōdōteki'.

芸術作品における共感の喚起は、単なる同情を超えた崇高な体験である。

The arousal of empathy in works of art is a sublime experience that transcends mere sympathy.

Noun 'kanki' (arousal/evocation) and 'transcend' (o koeta).

SNSのアルゴリズムは、特定の集団内での共感を増幅させ、分断を助長する。

Social media algorithms amplify empathy within specific groups and foster division.

Verbs 'zōfuku' (amplify) and 'jōcho' (foster/promote).

他者の内面世界に共感するという行為は、一種の倫理的な責任を伴う。

The act of empathizing with the inner world of another entails a kind of ethical responsibility.

Phrase 'tomonau' (entail/accompany).

共感のポリティクスが現代の言説においていかに機能しているかを考察する。

Consider how the politics of empathy functions in modern discourse.

Noun 'gensetsu' (discourse) and 'kōsatsu suru' (consider/analyze).

虚構の人物に共感する能力は、人類の進化における重要なマイルストーンだ。

The ability to empathize with fictional characters is an important milestone in human evolution.

Noun 'kyokō' (fiction) and 'milestone'.

共感は、自己と他者の境界を曖昧にする神秘的なプロセスである。

Empathy is a mysterious process that blurs the boundaries between self and other.

Verb 'aimai ni suru' (to make vague/blur).

Common Collocations

深く共感する

強く共感する

共感を得る

共感を呼ぶ

共感を覚える

全く共感できない

共感の輪

共感力

共感の涙

相互共感

Common Phrases

共感しかない

— I have nothing but empathy (I totally relate). Used on social media.

このツイート、共感しかない。

共感の嵐

— A storm of empathy (huge resonance from many people).

ネット上で共感の嵐が巻き起こった。

共感スイッチ

— Empathy switch (what triggers someone to feel empathy).

彼女の共感スイッチはどこにあるんだろう。

共感モンスター

— Empathy monster (slang for someone who is overly empathetic).

彼は共感モンスターだね。

共感不足

— Lack of empathy.

現代人は共感不足だと言われている。

共感ポイント

— Point of empathy (the specific part of a story one relates to).

この映画の共感ポイントはここだ。

共感マーケティング

— Empathy marketing (business strategy).

共感マーケティングが成功の鍵だ。

共感の眼差し

— A gaze of empathy (looking at someone with understanding).

彼は共感の眼差しで私を見た。

共感バブル

— Empathy bubble (temporary resonance that might burst).

今は共感バブルの状態だ。

共感格差

— Empathy gap (difference in empathy levels between groups).

世代間の共感格差が広がっている。

Often Confused With

共感する vs 同感 (Dōkan)

Dōkan is 'same opinion.' Kyōkan is 'same feeling.'

共感する vs 同情 (Dōjō)

Dōjō is 'sympathy/pity.' Kyōkan is 'empathy/resonance.'

共感する vs 賛成 (Sansei)

Sansei is 'agreement/approval.' Kyōkan is 'emotional connection.'

Idioms & Expressions

"琴線に触れる"

— To touch the heartstrings. Closely related to deep empathy.

彼の言葉が私の心の琴線に触れた。

Literary

"身につまされる"

— To be deeply moved by someone's misfortune as if it were one's own.

彼の苦労話は身につまされる思いだ。

Formal

"胸が熱くなる"

— One's heart heats up (to be filled with emotion).

その光景を見て胸が熱くなった。

Neutral

"目頭が熱くなる"

— The inner corners of the eyes get hot (to be moved to tears).

彼のスピーチに目頭が熱くなった。

Neutral

"肝に銘じる"

— To engrave in one's heart (to take something to heart).

彼の忠告を肝に銘じる。

Formal

"胸に迫る"

— To press against the chest (to be deeply moving).

彼女の悲しみが胸に迫る。

Literary

"腑に落ちる"

— To fall into the viscera (to finally make sense/resonate).

彼の説明でようやく腑に落ちた。

Neutral

"心を打つ"

— To strike the heart (to be touching).

その誠実な態度が人々の心を打った。

Neutral

"袖振り合うも多生の縁"

— Even a chance meeting is due to karma. Encourages empathy for strangers.

袖振り合うも多生の縁だから、親切にしよう。

Proverb

"同じ釜の飯を食う"

— To eat rice from the same pot (to share experiences and build empathy).

私たちは同じ釜の飯を食った仲間だ。

Informal

Easily Confused

共感する vs 共鳴 (Kyōmei)

Both mean resonance.

Kyōmei is more literary and often refers to resonating with a grand ideal or spirit, while kyōkan is more everyday and personal.

彼の革命の志に共鳴した。

共感する vs 納得 (Nattoku)

Both imply understanding.

Nattoku is logical conviction ('I am convinced/it makes sense'). Kyōkan is emotional ('I feel you').

彼の説明に納得した。

共感する vs 理解 (Rikai)

Both mean 'to understand'.

Rikai is purely cognitive. You can understand (rikai) someone's motive without empathizing (kyōkan) with them.

犯人の動機は理解できるが、共感はできない。

共感する vs 同調 (Dōchō)

Both involve 'joining' someone's state.

Dōchō often means 'conformity' or following the crowd blindly, whereas kyōkan is a genuine internal feeling.

周囲の意見に同調する。

共感する vs 感化 (Kanka)

Both involve feelings (kan).

Kanka means 'to be influenced/inspired' by someone, usually leading to a change in behavior.

先生に感化されて医者を目指した。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] に共感します。

あなたに共感します。

[Thing/Story] に共感しました。

その映画に共感しました。

[Adverb] 共感する。

深く共感する。

[Reason] ので、共感できます。

私も同じ悩みがあるので、共感できます。

〜の [Noun] に共感する。

彼の考え方に共感する。

共感を呼ぶ [Noun]。

共感を呼ぶストーリー。

〜に対して共感を覚える。

弱者に対して共感を覚える。

共感のポリティクス/言説。

現代の共感のポリティクスを考察する。

Word Family

Nouns

共感 (Kyōkan - Empathy)

共感性 (Kyōkan-sei - Empathic nature)

共感力 (Kyōkan-ryoku - Empathy power/ability)

共感者 (Kyōkan-sha - Empathizer/sympathizer)

Verbs

共感する (Kyōkan suru - To empathize)

共感し合う (Kyōkan shiau - To empathize with each other)

Adjectives

共感的な (Kyōkanteki-na - Empathic)

共感しやすい (Kyōkan shiyasui - Easy to empathize with)

同感 (Dōkan - Agreement/Same feeling)

同情 (Dōjō - Pity/Sympathy)

共鳴 (Kyōmei - Resonance)

感情 (Kanjō - Emotion)

共有 (Kyōyū - Sharing)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written modern Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kyōkan' for logical agreement. → 賛成 (Sansei) or 同感 (Dōkan).
Kyōkan is for emotions. Don't use it for math or business logic.
Using the particle 'o' (〜を共感する). → 〜に共感する。
Kyōkan suru is an intransitive-style compound. It needs 'ni'.
Confusing 'kyōkan' with 'dōjō'. → Use 'kyōkan' for shared feelings, 'dōjō' for pity.
Dōjō can sound condescending if the person just wants to be understood.
Overusing the word in casual conversation. → わかる (Wakaru).
In casual settings, 'kyōkan suru' can sound a bit stiff or overly dramatic.
Writing the kanji '感' incorrectly. → Ensure the bottom part is '心' (heart).
It's a complex kanji; many students forget a stroke in the top part.

Tips

Adverb Boost

Always try to pair 'kyōkan suru' with an adverb like 'tsuyoku' (strongly) or 'mattaku' (completely) to sound more expressive.

The 'Wakaru' Connection

Remember that 'Wakaru' is the spoken bridge to 'Kyōkan'. If you say 'Wakaru' three times in a conversation, you are effectively practicing kyōkan.

Particle Precision

Never use 'o' with 'kyōkan suru'. It's always 'ni'. Think of your empathy as a laser pointing 'at' (ni) the target.

Social Media Style

On the internet, people often omit the 'suru' and just write '共感！' or '共感です'. This is very common on X/Twitter.

Noun Power

Using the noun 'kyōkan' in phrases like 'kyōkan o yobu' (evoke empathy) makes you sound like a high-level speaker.

Building Wa

In Japan, showing empathy is often more important than being right. Use 'kyōkan' to smooth over disagreements.

Kanji Practice

The 'Kan' in 'Kyōkan' is the same as in 'Kanjō' (emotion) and 'Kansha' (gratitude). Learn them together!

Pitch Accent

The pitch usually drops after 'kyō'. Practice saying 'KYŌ-kan' with a slight emphasis on the first part.

Cognitive vs Affective

Realize that 'kyōkan' covers both feeling what others feel and understanding why they feel it.

Real World Application

Watch a Japanese drama and count how many times characters say 'Wakaru' or 'Kyōkan'. It's a great listening exercise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kyō' as 'Co-' (like cooperate) and 'Kan' as 'Feeling' (like a 'can' of feelings). You are opening a 'can' of feelings 'co-operatively' with someone else.

Visual Association

Imagine two tuning forks side by side. When one is struck (a person feels an emotion), the other begins to vibrate at the same frequency. That vibration is 'kyōkan'.

Word Web

Heart Sharing Resonance Friendship Listening Understanding Social Media Crying together

Challenge

Today, try to find one person you can 'kyōkan suru' with. Tell them 'Wakaru' or 'Kyōkan shimasu' and see how it changes the mood.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. It entered the Japanese language as part of the massive influx of Chinese vocabulary used to describe abstract concepts.

Original meaning: To feel (感) together (共).

Sino-Japanese (Kanbun influence).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'kyōkan' for purely tragic events where 'dōjō' (sympathy) or 'okuyami' (condolences) are more appropriate. Empathy implies you have felt it too, which might be presumptuous in extreme tragedies.

English speakers often say 'I understand,' which can sound too logical. Using 'kyōkan' in Japanese adds the necessary emotional warmth that 'understand' lacks.

The concept of 'Mono no aware' (the pathos of things) in the Tale of Genji. The 'Kyōkan' buttons used in Japanese variety shows like 'Shabekuri 007'. Modern J-Pop lyrics (e.g., songs by Aimyon or Kenshi Yonezu) often focus on 'kyōkan'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Watching a Movie

主人公に共感した
泣けるほど共感する
全然共感できない
共感ポイントが多い

Listening to a Friend's Problems

その気持ち、共感するよ
深く共感しました
共感してくれてありがとう
私も同じ経験があるから共感できる

Social Media (SNS)

共感したらリツイート
共感しかない
多くの共感を集める
共感のコメント

Business/Marketing

顧客の共感を得る
共感マーケティング
ビジョンに共感する
共感を生むストーリー

Counseling/Therapy

患者に共感する
共感的な傾聴
共感の欠如
自己共感を高める

Conversation Starters

"最近、共感した本や映画はありますか？ (Is there a book or movie you've empathized with lately?)"

"彼のあの意見、共感できますか？ (Can you empathize with that opinion of his?)"

"SNSで「共感しかない」と思うことはありますか？ (Do you ever think 'nothing but empathy' on social media?)"

"共感力が高い人って、どんな人だと思いますか？ (What kind of person do you think has high empathy?)"

"友達に共感してほしい時、どうしますか？ (What do you do when you want a friend to empathize with you?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かの気持ちに共感した瞬間を詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about a moment you empathized with someone today.)

自分が一番共感できる架空のキャラクターは誰ですか？なぜですか？ (Who is the fictional character you empathize with the most? Why?)

共感することと、同情することの違いについて自分の考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the difference between empathizing and sympathizing.)

もし世界中の人がもっと共感し合えたら、社会はどう変わると思いますか？ (How do you think society would change if people worldwide empathized more with each other?)

最近「共感できない」と思った出来事について、その理由を分析してください。 (Analyze the reason behind a recent event where you felt you 'could not empathize'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can empathize with the writings or recorded feelings of someone who has passed away. For example, 'I empathize with his final poem' is perfectly natural.

No, you can empathize with joy, excitement, or any other emotion. However, it is very commonly used for shared struggles.

Rikai is cognitive (brain). Kyōkan is affective (heart). You can understand (rikai) why a thief steals because he is hungry, but you might not empathize (kyōkan) with his choice.

Yes, especially if you are responding to a client's concern. Using '深く共感いたします' shows that you take their feelings seriously.

You can say '共感できない' (Kyōkan dekinai) or more casually 'ピンとこない' (Pin to konai - it doesn't click).

The kanji are old, but its current usage as a psychological and social term surged in the late 20th century, especially with the rise of social media.

It translates to 'empathy power' or 'empathy ability.' It's considered a key soft skill in Japanese job hunting and education.

In a biological or poetic sense, yes. You might say 'Inu wa kainushi no kanjō ni kyōkan suru' (Dogs empathize with their owners' emotions).

No, but you should use the humble form '共感いたしました' to be safe. It shows you are listening and aligned with them.

It means 'empathy fatigue.' It's the exhaustion one feels after constantly sharing the emotional burdens of others.