Explanation at your level:
Hello! 労り is a word that means being nice and helpful to people. Imagine you see someone drop their books. If you help them pick them up, that's showing 労り! It's like being a good friend and thinking about how others feel. When you share your toys or help your mom, you are showing 労り. It’s about making others feel happy and cared for. Think of it as a special way to show you are kind!
労り is a noun that means kindness, sympathy, or consideration. It's about being thoughtful towards others and showing that you care about their feelings or situation. For example, if a classmate is sad, you might offer them a kind word or a smile – that's showing 労り. Or, if someone is carrying many bags, you might offer to help them. These actions demonstrate 労り because you are thinking about the other person's comfort and well-being.
労り refers to the quality of being considerate, kind, and thoughtful towards others. It involves actively thinking about someone else's needs or feelings and acting in a way that shows you care. For instance, a host showing 労り might prepare a guest's favorite meal or ensure they have everything they need for a comfortable stay. It’s more than just politeness; it’s a genuine effort to make someone feel valued and supported. Using 労り in your interactions can significantly strengthen relationships.
The noun 労り signifies a deep sense of consideration, empathy, and kindness extended to others. It implies an awareness of another's potential struggles, discomfort, or emotional state, coupled with a proactive effort to alleviate them or provide comfort. For example, a manager showing 労り might offer flexible working hours to an employee facing personal difficulties. This goes beyond basic courtesy, reflecting a nuanced understanding of human connection and a commitment to fostering supportive environments. It’s about anticipating needs and responding with genuine thoughtfulness.
労り embodies a sophisticated understanding of interpersonal dynamics, manifesting as profound consideration, empathy, and benevolent action towards others. It suggests an intuitive grasp of another's psychological or physical state, prompting actions designed to offer solace, ease burdens, or enhance well-being. In a professional context, a leader demonstrating 労り might champion initiatives that support employee mental health or create policies that acknowledge diverse personal circumstances. This concept highlights the ethical dimension of human interaction, where acting with 労り contributes to a more humane and supportive social or organizational culture.
At its most profound level, 労り represents a cultivated virtue encompassing deep empathy, proactive benevolence, and a nuanced sensitivity to the human condition. It signifies not merely an act of kindness, but a sustained disposition towards easing the burdens, both tangible and intangible, that others may face. This can extend to recognizing systemic issues that cause hardship and acting to effect positive change, or simply offering profound personal support during times of crisis. The practice of 労り, therefore, reflects a mature ethical consciousness and a commitment to fostering holistic well-being, demonstrating a sophisticated engagement with the complexities of human relationships and societal responsibilities.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 労り is a Japanese noun meaning kindness, sympathy, and consideration.
- It emphasizes proactive care and effort to ease others' burdens.
- It's more than just politeness; it involves genuine empathy and thoughtfulness.
- Crucial in Japanese culture, especially in hospitality and relationships.
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful word 労り. Think of it as the special sauce that makes our interactions with others warm and fuzzy. At its heart, 労り is all about kindness, sympathy, and genuine consideration for the people around you. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about actively thinking about how your actions might affect others and choosing to act in a way that shows you care.
Imagine a friend is having a tough day. Showing 労り might mean offering a listening ear, bringing them their favorite snack, or simply giving them some extra space if they need it. It’s about anticipating needs and responding with empathy. This quality is super important for building strong relationships and creating a positive environment, whether at home, at school, or even at work. It’s the little things that often make the biggest difference, right?
The word 労り has roots that speak volumes about its meaning. In Japanese, the kanji 労 (rō) itself is associated with labor, effort, and fatigue, while わり (wari) can relate to a share or a division. Put together, 労り suggests an effort or consideration given to ease someone else's labor or fatigue. It’s like taking on a part of their burden or offering a comforting respite.
Historically, in cultures that value community and mutual support, concepts like 労り have always been crucial. Think about traditional societies where neighbors would help each other with harvests or childcare. This wasn't just about getting tasks done; it was about fostering a sense of collective well-being. The evolution of 労り reflects a deep-seated human understanding that acknowledging and easing the struggles of others strengthens the social fabric. It’s a timeless virtue that transcends specific eras, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathetic action.
So, how do we actually use 労り in a sentence? It’s a noun, so you’ll often see it used as the object of a verb or as part of a descriptive phrase. For instance, you might say someone shows great 労り, or that they act with 労り. It’s a term that carries a sense of warmth and genuine care, making it suitable for situations where you want to highlight thoughtful behavior.
When it comes to formality, 労り generally sits in the neutral to slightly formal register. You wouldn't typically use it in very casual slang, but it fits perfectly in everyday conversation, written communication, and even more formal settings when discussing interpersonal dynamics. Common collocations include phrases like 「心遣い」(kokorozukai - thoughtfulness, consideration), which is a very close synonym, and 「配慮」(hairyo - consideration, concern). You might hear people talk about the 労り of a host, the 労り shown to a guest, or the 労り someone offers to a colleague. It’s all about demonstrating that you’ve put thought into someone else’s experience.
While 労り itself isn't typically part of a fixed idiom in the way some English words are, the concept is woven into many expressions that convey similar sentiments. Think about phrases that emphasize thoughtfulness and care.
One closely related idea is found in expressions like 「いたわる」(itawaru), which is a verb meaning to care for, to be kind to, or to show consideration, especially to someone who is ill or in a weaker position. For example, 「病人をいたわる」(byōnin o itawaru) means to show kindness and care towards a sick person.
Another expression that captures the essence is 「気遣い」(kizukai), which means thoughtfulness or consideration. Saying someone has 「気遣いがある」(kizukai ga aru) is very similar to saying they have 労り. It implies they are attentive to the needs and feelings of others. For instance, 「細やかな気遣い」(komayaka na kizukai) refers to subtle yet thoughtful gestures. These related expressions highlight how the core idea of 労り is expressed through various linguistic nuances in Japanese, all pointing towards the importance of empathetic human interaction.
As a noun, 労り functions similarly to other nouns in Japanese. It doesn't have plural forms; the context usually makes it clear whether you're referring to one instance of consideration or multiple acts. You might use particles like が (ga) or を (o) depending on its role in the sentence, such as in 「労りが感じられる」(sagari ga kanjirareru - consideration can be felt) or 「労りを見せる」(sagari o miseru - to show consideration).
Pronunciation-wise, 労り is pronounced roughly as 'ro-o-goh-ri'. The 'ro' sound is similar to the English 'row', the 'o' is a long 'oh' sound, and 'goh-ri' is like 'go-ree'. It’s important to get the vowel lengths right! While there isn't a direct IPA for Japanese in the same way as English, a close approximation might be something like /ɾoːɡuɾi/. Stress patterns in Japanese are generally flatter than in English, so avoid putting too much emphasis on one syllable. Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-ri' might share a similar sound, like 『わかり』(wakari - understanding) or 『たより』(tayori - reliance, news).
Fun Fact
The concept of 労り is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, influencing everything from customer service (omotenashi) to everyday social interactions, reflecting a strong emphasis on harmony and mutual respect.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'row-goo-ree', with the 'row' like in 'rowboat' and 'goo-ree' like 'gooey' followed by 'ree'.
Similar to UK, 'roh-goo-ree', with a clear 'oh' sound in the first syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'o' sound too short.
- Adding an English-style stress pattern.
- Mispronouncing the 'g' sound (it's often softer, closer to 'k' in some contexts, but 'g' is standard here).
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of nuanced meaning and cultural context.
Choosing the right context and level of formality is key.
Pronunciation and appropriate usage in conversation.
Distinguishing from similar terms and understanding context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles (は, が, を, に)
労り が感じられる (sagari ga kanjirareru) - Consideration can be felt.
Verb Conjugation (Potential, Passive)
労ることができる (sagari-koto ga dekiru) - To be able to show consideration.
Noun Phrases
労りのある人 (sagari no aru hito) - A considerate person.
Examples by Level
He shows 労り to his friends.
He / shows / consideration / to / his / friends.
'to' shows direction.
Thank you for your 労り.
Thank you / for / your / consideration.
'your' shows possession.
She has 労り.
She / has / consideration.
Simple sentence structure.
Show 労り to the old man.
Show / consideration / to / the / old / man.
Imperative verb 'Show'.
This is a sign of 労り.
This / is / a / sign / of / consideration.
Use 'a' before singular nouns.
He feels 労り.
He / feels / consideration.
Verb 'feels'.
She gives 労り.
She / gives / consideration.
Verb 'gives'.
We need 労り.
We / need / consideration.
Verb 'need'.
The hotel staff showed great 労り towards the guests.
The / hotel / staff / showed / great / consideration / towards / the / guests.
Past tense verb 'showed'.
His 労り made her feel much better.
His / consideration / made / her / feel / much / better.
Possessive pronoun 'His'.
We should always act with 労り.
We / should / always / act / with / consideration.
Modal verb 'should'.
Her thoughtful gestures were a sign of true 労り.
Her / thoughtful / gestures / were / a / sign / of / true / consideration.
Past tense of 'be' - 'were'.
Showing 労り is important in any relationship.
Showing / consideration / is / important / in / any / relationship.
Gerund 'Showing' as subject.
He went out of his way to offer 労り.
He / went / out / of / his / way / to / offer / consideration.
Idiomatic phrase 'went out of his way'.
They appreciated the 労り shown by their neighbors.
They / appreciated / the / consideration / shown / by / their / neighbors.
Past participle 'shown'.
A little 労り can make a big difference.
A / little / consideration / can / make / a / big / difference.
Modal verb 'can'.
The volunteer's 労り towards the elderly residents was deeply appreciated.
The / volunteer's / consideration / towards / the / elderly / residents / was / deeply / appreciated.
Possessive noun 'volunteer's'.
He always tries to act with 労り, anticipating the needs of those around him.
He / always / tries / to / act / with / consideration, / anticipating / the / needs / of / those / around / him.
Present participle 'anticipating'.
Her 労り extended beyond mere politeness; it was a genuine expression of care.
Her / consideration / extended / beyond / mere / politeness; / it / was / a / genuine / expression / of / care.
Verb 'extended'.
In Japanese culture, showing 労り is often considered a sign of maturity and respect.
In / Japanese / culture, / showing / consideration / is / often / considered / a / sign / of / maturity / and / respect.
Gerund phrase 'Showing 労り' as subject.
The company implemented policies that foster 労り among employees.
The / company / implemented / policies / that / foster / consideration / among / employees.
Verb 'foster'.
Despite his own difficulties, he never failed to show 労り to others.
Despite / his / own / difficulties, / he / never / failed / to / show / consideration / to / others.
Infinitive phrase 'to show'.
The subtle 労り in her actions made everyone feel welcome.
The / subtle / consideration / in / her / actions / made / everyone / feel / welcome.
Adjective 'subtle'.
We learn the importance of 労り from our families and communities.
We / learn / the / importance / of / consideration / from / our / families / and / communities.
Noun phrase 'importance of 労り'.
The diplomat's skillful negotiation was underpinned by a deep 労り for the cultural nuances of each party.
The / diplomat's / skillful / negotiation / was / underpinned / by / a / deep / consideration / for / the / cultural / nuances / of / each / party.
Past participle passive 'was underpinned'.
Showing 労り in the workplace can significantly improve team morale and productivity.
Showing / consideration / in / the / workplace / can / significantly / improve / team / morale / and / productivity.
Adverb 'significantly'.
Her 労り wasn't performative; it stemmed from an innate empathy and a desire to connect.
Her / consideration / wasn't / performative; / it / stemmed / from / an / innate / empathy / and / a / desire / to / connect.
Contraction 'wasn't'.
The narrative explored the protagonist's journey towards understanding and practicing 労り.
The / narrative / explored / the / protagonist's / journey / towards / understanding / and / practicing / consideration.
Gerunds 'understanding' and 'practicing'.
A leader who demonstrates consistent 労り builds trust and loyalty within their team.
A / leader / who / demonstrates / consistent / consideration / builds / trust / and / loyalty / within / their / team.
Relative clause 'who demonstrates...'
The absence of 労り in their interactions created an atmosphere of tension and misunderstanding.
The / absence / of / consideration / in / their / interactions / created / an / atmosphere / of / tension / and / misunderstanding.
Noun 'absence'.
He offered 労り not just through words, but through tangible actions that eased her burden.
He / offered / consideration / not / just / through / words, / but / through / tangible / actions / that / eased / her / burden.
Contrast structure 'not just... but through...'
The cultural exchange program aimed to foster mutual 労り and understanding between the participating nations.
The / cultural / exchange / program / aimed / to / foster / mutual / consideration / and / understanding / between / the / participating / nations.
Infinitive 'to foster'.
The philosophical underpinnings of 労り suggest a recognition of shared vulnerability and interdependence.
The / philosophical / underpinnings / of / consideration / suggest / a / recognition / of / shared / vulnerability / and / interdependence.
Abstract nouns 'underpinnings', 'vulnerability', 'interdependence'.
Her 労り was not merely a social grace but a deeply ingrained ethical imperative, shaping her every decision.
Her / consideration / was / not / merely / a / social / grace / but / a / deeply / ingrained / ethical / imperative, / shaping / her / every / decision.
Complex sentence structure with contrast.
In literature, characters who exhibit profound 労り often serve as moral exemplars, guiding the reader's ethical compass.
In / literature, / characters / who / exhibit / profound / consideration / often / serve / as / moral / exemplars, / guiding / the / reader's / ethical / compass.
Relative clause 'who exhibit...' and present participle 'guiding'.
The organization's success was largely attributed to its unwavering commitment to 労り in all its stakeholder interactions.
The / organization's / success / was / largely / attributed / to / its / unwavering / commitment / to / consideration / in / all / its / stakeholder / interactions.
Passive voice 'was attributed'.
Understanding the subtle manifestations of 労り requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
Understanding / the / subtle / manifestations / of / consideration / requires / a / high / degree / of / emotional / intelligence / and / cultural / sensitivity.
Gerund 'Understanding' as subject.
He practiced 労り not as a means to an end, but as an end in itself, valuing the inherent dignity of every individual.
He / practiced / consideration / not / as / a / means / to / an / end, / but / as / an / end / in / itself, / valuing / the / inherent / dignity / of / every / individual.
Contrastive structure 'not as... but as...'
The societal shift towards valuing 労り reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of human well-being.
The / societal / shift / towards / valuing / consideration / reflects / a / growing / awareness / of / the / interconnectedness / of / human / well-being.
Noun phrase 'societal shift towards valuing 労り'.
Critiques of purely transactional relationships often highlight the indispensable role of 労り in fostering genuine human connection.
Critiques / of / purely / transactional / relationships / often / highlight / the / indispensable / role / of / consideration / in / fostering / genuine / human / connection.
Complex noun phrase 'indispensable role of 労り'.
The existentialist perspective might question the authenticity of performed 労り, emphasizing the radical freedom and responsibility inherent in genuine acts of care.
The / existentialist / perspective / might / question / the / authenticity / of / performed / consideration, / emphasizing / the / radical / freedom / and / responsibility / inherent / in / genuine / acts / of / care.
Complex sentence with abstract concepts.
Beyond mere altruism, 労り represents a sophisticated ethical stance that acknowledges the ontological parity of all sentient beings.
Beyond / mere / altruism, / consideration / represents / a / sophisticated / ethical / stance / that / acknowledges / the / ontological / parity / of / all / sentient / beings.
Advanced vocabulary: 'ontological parity', 'sentient'.
The hermeneutic challenge lies in discerning the true intent behind expressions of 労り, distinguishing between genuine empathy and strategic manipulation.
The / hermeneutic / challenge / lies / in / discerning / the / true / intent / behind / expressions / of / consideration, / distinguishing / between / genuine / empathy / and / strategic / manipulation.
Advanced vocabulary: 'hermeneutic', 'discerning'.
In post-structuralist thought, the concept of 労り might be deconstructed to reveal underlying power dynamics and social constructs.
In / post-structuralist / thought, / the / concept / of / consideration / might / be / deconstructed / to / reveal / underlying / power / dynamics / and / social / constructs.
Advanced vocabulary: 'post-structuralist', 'deconstructed'.
The cultivation of 労り requires a rigorous self-examination and a willingness to transcend egocentric biases.
The / cultivation / of / consideration / requires / a / rigorous / self-examination / and / a / willingness / to / transcend / egocentric / biases.
Advanced vocabulary: 'cultivation', 'egocentric biases'.
Applying 労り in international relations necessitates a delicate balance between national interest and global ethical responsibility.
Applying / consideration / in / international / relations / necessitates / a / delicate / balance / between / national / interest / and / global / ethical / responsibility.
Advanced vocabulary: 'necessitates'.
The phenomenological approach to 労り focuses on the lived experience of giving and receiving care, bracketing preconceived notions.
The / phenomenological / approach / to / consideration / focuses / on / the / lived / experience / of / giving / and / receiving / care, / bracketing / preconceived / notions.
Advanced vocabulary: 'phenomenological', 'bracketing'.
Ultimately, the enduring significance of 労り lies in its capacity to affirm human dignity and foster resilient communities.
Ultimately, / the / enduring / significance / of / consideration / lies / in / its / capacity / to / affirm / human / dignity / and / foster / resilient / communities.
Abstract nouns: 'significance', 'capacity', 'dignity', 'resilient communities'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"いたわる (itawaru)"
To care for, be kind to, show consideration, especially to someone weaker or ill.
親切に病人 を いたわる (Shinsetsuni byōnin o itawaru) - To kindly care for a sick person.
neutral"気遣いがある (kizukai ga aru)"
To be thoughtful, considerate; to show care.
彼女はいつも 気遣いがある 人だ (Kanojo wa itsumo kizukai ga aru hito da) - She is always a considerate person.
neutral"心遣い (kokorozukai)"
Thoughtfulness, consideration, kindness (often in gestures).
心のこもった 心遣い に感謝します (Kokoro no komotta kokorozukai ni kansha shimasu) - I am grateful for your heartfelt thoughtfulness.
neutral"手を差し伸べる (te o sashinoberu)"
To lend a hand, offer help (literally 'to extend a hand').
困っている人 に 手を差し伸べる (Komatte iru hito ni te o sashinoberu) - To lend a hand to someone in need.
neutral"温かい心 (atatakai kokoro)"
A warm heart; kindness and compassion.
温かい心 を 持つ (Atatakai kokoro o motsu) - To have a warm heart.
neutral"思いやり (omoiyari)"
Consideration for others, sympathy, compassion.
思いやり のある 行動 (Omoiyari no aru kōdō) - Considerate behavior.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'consideration'.
配慮 often implies careful thought and planning, sometimes to avoid negative outcomes or offense. 労り is more about active kindness and care, often to alleviate discomfort or burden.
The restaurant showed 配慮 by providing a quiet table away from the crowd. The nurse showed 労り by gently explaining the procedure to the anxious patient.
Both relate to empathy and consideration.
思いやり emphasizes empathy – the ability to feel *with* someone. 労り is the action or disposition of showing care and easing burdens, often stemming from that empathy.
He has great 思いやり and understands how others feel. His 労り was shown when he helped her move, even though he was busy.
Both mean 'kindness'.
親切 is a general term for being kind, friendly, and helpful. 労り suggests a deeper, more intentional level of care, often involving effort or anticipating needs.
It was 親切 of you to help me carry the bags. The volunteer's 労り for the residents was truly heartwarming.
Both can involve taking care of someone.
世話 often means looking after someone or something, providing care, or assistance, like taking care of a child or a pet. 労り is more about the *manner* of care – showing kindness and consideration in the process.
She takes care of her younger brother (世話をする). She shows great 労り when taking care of him, always making sure he's comfortable.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 労り + が/を + 感じられる/示す/見せる
彼の行動には労りが感じられた。(Kare no kōdō ni wa sagari ga kanjirareta.) - His actions showed consideration.
労りをもって + Verb
労りをもって対応してください。(Sagari o motte taiō shite kudasai.) - Please respond with consideration.
〜に + 労り + を + 見せる/示す
彼女は困っている人に労りを見せた。(Kanojo wa komatte iru hito ni sagari o miseta.) - She showed consideration to the person in need.
形容詞 + 労り
深い労り (fukai sagari) - Deep consideration.
労りの + Noun
労りの心 (sagari no kokoro) - A compassionate heart.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While 労 (rō) can mean labor, 労り emphasizes the thoughtful aspect of easing someone else's burden.
It's about understanding and caring for someone's feelings, not just their physical tasks.
A small compliment or a helpful suggestion can be acts of 労り.
While related, 労り often involves a proactive element beyond passive sympathy.
労り carries a slightly more formal or profound weight than simple 'niceness'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Row'-boat (労) that's 'Gory' (わり) because someone spilled kindness everywhere helping others. That's 労り!
When Native Speakers Use It
You'll often hear it in contexts of hospitality (omotenashi), caregiving, or when praising someone for being exceptionally thoughtful towards others, especially if it involved some effort.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, 労り is a cornerstone of social harmony. It's deeply valued in service interactions and personal relationships, reflecting a cultural emphasis on empathy and mutual respect.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 労り is a noun. Use it after verbs like 'show' (示す), 'have' (ある), or in phrases like 'with 労り' (労りをもって).
Say It Right
Focus on clear, distinct syllables: Ro-o-gu-ri. Avoid rushing and try to maintain a relatively even tone.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid thinking 労り is just about 'work' or 'effort'. The key is the *consideration* and *care* involved in that effort.
Did You Know?
The concept is so important that it's a key element in 'omotenashi', the unique Japanese approach to hospitality that anticipates needs before they are even expressed.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with '労り' on one side and 'Thoughtful Consideration' on the other. Add a simple sentence example for context.
Connect to Real Life
Recall a time someone showed you 労り. What did they do? How did it make you feel? This personal connection aids memory.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'rowing' (like 労) with 'gory' (like わり) effort to help someone else – that's 労り!
Visual Association
Imagine a person rowing a boat for someone else who looks tired, offering them a drink.
Word Web
Challenge
Next time you help someone, even in a small way, consciously think, 'This is 労り!'
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The kanji 労 (rō) relates to labor, effort, and fatigue. The suffix -り (-ri) can indicate an action or state. Thus, it implies an effort made to ease someone else's labor or fatigue.
Cultural Context
Expressing 労り is generally seen as a positive and respectful act across cultures. However, the specific cultural context in Japan places a high value on it.
While English has words like 'consideration', 'kindness', and 'sympathy', the Japanese concept of 労り often implies a more proactive and deeply ingrained sense of care, especially within social etiquette and service industries.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Customer Service
- お客様への労りを忘れずに。(Okyakusama e no sagari o wasurezu ni.) - Don't forget consideration for our customers.
- 細やかな労りをお届けします。(Komayaka na sagari o otodoke shimasu.) - We deliver subtle consideration.
- 労りある対応を心がけています。(Sagari aru taiō o kokorogakete imasu.) - We strive to provide considerate service.
Family and Friends
- 家族に労りを見せる。(Kazoku ni sagari o miseru.) - Show consideration to family.
- 友達への労りを忘れないで。(Tomodachi e no sagari o wasurenaide.) - Don't forget consideration for your friends.
- 彼の労りに感謝しています。(Kare no sagari ni kansha shite imasu.) - I am grateful for his consideration.
Workplace
- 同僚への労りを大切にする。(Dōryō e no sagari o taisetsu ni suru.) - Value consideration for colleagues.
- 労りをもって仕事を進める。(Sagari o motte shigoto o susumeru.) - Proceed with work with consideration.
- チーム内の労りを育む。(Chīmu-nai no sagari o hagukumu.) - Foster consideration within the team.
Caring for Others (e.g., elderly, sick)
- 病人への労り。(Byōnin e no sagari.) - Consideration for the sick.
- 労りをもって接する。(Sagari o motte sessuru.) - To treat with consideration.
- 祖母への労りを忘れない。(Sobo e no sagari o wasurenai.) - Don't forget consideration for grandmother.
Conversation Starters
"What's a small act of 労り you've experienced recently?"
"How can we show more 労り in our daily lives?"
"Can you think of a time when 労り made a big difference?"
"In your opinion, what's the most important aspect of 労り?"
"How does 労り differ from simple politeness in your culture?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you showed 労り. What motivated you and what was the outcome?
Reflect on a time you received 労り. How did it impact you?
How can practicing 労り benefit your relationships?
Write about the challenges of showing 労り when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsWhile related, 労り often implies a deeper, more proactive consideration for someone's well-being or comfort, sometimes involving effort or sacrifice. Being 'nice' can be more superficial.
Primarily, 労り is used for people. However, in a broader sense, one might show care or consideration towards pets or even the environment, though the term itself is most strongly associated with human-to-human interaction.
Sympathy is feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. 労り is broader; it includes sympathy but also active consideration, kindness, and thoughtfulness aimed at easing their burden or making them feel better.
It's moderately common. While simpler words like 'kindness' (親切) are used more frequently for basic niceness, 労り is used when emphasizing a more profound or deliberate act of consideration.
Not necessarily. It can range from small, thoughtful gestures (like offering a tissue) to significant efforts (like taking on extra work for a colleague). The key is the intention and awareness of the other person's needs.
There isn't one perfect equivalent. 'Consideration', 'thoughtfulness', and 'kindness' are close, but 労り often carries a nuance of proactive care and effort that combines these.
The concept itself is positive. However, one might critique actions that *appear* to be 労り but are actually manipulative or insincere.
Start by actively observing people around you. Notice if someone seems tired, stressed, or uncomfortable. Think about small ways you could help or offer comfort, and then act on those thoughts.
Test Yourself
Helping your friend when they fall is showing ____.
Showing 労り means being kind and helpful.
Which sentence best shows 労り?
Offering a seat to someone in need is an act of consideration and kindness (労り).
労り means only doing hard physical labor for others.
労り is about kindness and consideration, which can include emotional support and thoughtful gestures, not just physical labor.
Word
Meaning
Matching the word to its core meaning helps understand its place among related concepts.
The correct sentence is 'We should always act with 労り.' This structure emphasizes the importance of consistent considerate behavior.
The host's ______ was evident in the way he anticipated every guest's need.
Anticipating needs shows thoughtfulness and consideration (労り).
Which scenario best exemplifies profound 労り?
While options 3 and 4 show kindness, option 2 demonstrates deep, patient consideration and empathy, aligning with a profound sense of 労り.
In a professional context, demonstrating 労り might involve implementing policies that support employee well-being.
Proactive measures to support employees reflect a high level of organizational 労り.
The philosophical concept of ______ emphasizes a recognition of shared vulnerability and interdependence.
労り, in its deeper sense, aligns with recognizing our interconnectedness and shared human condition.
The sentence discusses the difficulty in discerning true consideration (労り) from strategic actions, highlighting the nuance required at advanced levels.
Score: /10
Summary
労り is the art of showing genuine care and thoughtful consideration, making others feel valued and supported.
- 労り is a Japanese noun meaning kindness, sympathy, and consideration.
- It emphasizes proactive care and effort to ease others' burdens.
- It's more than just politeness; it involves genuine empathy and thoughtfulness.
- Crucial in Japanese culture, especially in hospitality and relationships.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Row'-boat (労) that's 'Gory' (わり) because someone spilled kindness everywhere helping others. That's 労り!
When Native Speakers Use It
You'll often hear it in contexts of hospitality (omotenashi), caregiving, or when praising someone for being exceptionally thoughtful towards others, especially if it involved some effort.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, 労り is a cornerstone of social harmony. It's deeply valued in service interactions and personal relationships, reflecting a cultural emphasis on empathy and mutual respect.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 労り is a noun. Use it after verbs like 'show' (示す), 'have' (ある), or in phrases like 'with 労り' (労りをもって).
Example
彼女はいつも他人に労りの気持ちを持っている。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
