This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Japanese
Vocabulary
世話する

B1 verb 11 min read

世話する

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 世話する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 世話する in your Level:

At the A1 level, students learn that 'sewa suru' means 'to take care of.' It is often introduced alongside pets or simple family responsibilities. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep social nuances. Just remember the basic pattern: [Noun] no sewa wo suru. For example, 'Inu no sewa wo suru' (I take care of the dog). You might also hear the phrase 'O-sewa ni narimasu' as a set greeting, even if you don't fully understand the grammar yet. Focus on the physical act of looking after something. Think of it as 'doing things for someone' like feeding them or cleaning up after them. It is a very useful verb because it helps you describe your daily chores and your relationship with your pets or younger siblings. Remember, it's a 'suru' verb, so it's easy to conjugate into 'shimasu' for polite speech. Don't worry about the kanji yet; focus on the sound 'sewa' and the action of helping.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'sewa suru' in more varied contexts, such as helping a teacher or looking after a friend's house while they are away. You should begin to distinguish it from 'tetsudau' (to help with a task). While 'tetsudau' is for a specific moment (like helping carry bags), 'sewa suru' is for a continuous period of care. You will also learn the past tense 'sewa shita' and the continuous 'sewa shite iru.' This allows you to talk about things you did in the past or things you are currently responsible for. You might also start to see the kanji 世話. The first kanji 'se' (世) means world or society, and 'wa' (話) means talk or story. This hints at the social nature of the word. A2 learners should also practice the polite request form: 'Sewa wo shite kudasai' (Please take care of [it]). This is very common when leaving a pet with a neighbor. You are beginning to see that 'sewa' is a part of Japanese social etiquette.

At the B1 level (your current level), you should master the nuances of 'sewa suru' in social and professional settings. You need to understand the concept of 'Giri' (obligation) that often accompanies this word. When you say you will 'sewa suru' someone, you are acknowledging a responsibility. You should also be comfortable with the phrase 'O-sewa ni narimashita' and understand that it is used to express deep gratitude for someone's support over time. At this level, you can use the word to describe more abstract care, such as looking after a project at work or managing a group of people. You should also be aware of the idiom 'sewa wo yaku' (to be meddlesome) and know when to avoid it. Your ability to use 'sewa suru' correctly shows that you understand the importance of mutual support in Japanese culture. You can now use it in complex sentences with particles like 'tame ni' (in order to) or 'nagara' (while). For example, 'Sobo no sewa wo shinagara, benkyou shimasu' (I study while taking care of my grandmother).

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'sewa suru' and its related forms with high fluency. This includes understanding the honorific and humble versions of the word. For example, instead of just 'sewa suru,' you might use 'o-sewa moushiageru' in a very formal business context. You should also understand the subtle difference between 'sewa suru' and 'mendo wo miru,' recognizing that the latter can sometimes sound more casual or imply that the task is a bit of a 'bother.' B2 learners should be able to discuss social issues like 'kaigo' (elderly care) and use 'sewa suru' as a general term within those discussions. You will also encounter the word in literary contexts or news reports, where it might describe the government 'taking care' of citizens or a company 'taking care' of its employees' welfare. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the balance between being helpful and being intrusive. You should also be able to use the noun 'sewa-yaki' to describe a person who is a natural-born caregiver.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and historical roots of 'sewa.' You understand that the word originally referred to 'worldly talk' or the 'busyness of the world,' and you can see how that evolved into the modern meaning of 'taking care of affairs.' You can use 'sewa suru' in highly nuanced ways, such as describing the role of a 'nakodo' (matchmaker) who 'takes care' of the arrangements for a marriage. You are also proficient in using the word in formal speeches or academic writing about Japanese social structures. You can analyze the difference between 'sewa' and Western concepts of 'caregiving,' noting the emphasis on social harmony and debt in the Japanese context. Your vocabulary includes related high-level terms like 'shisetsu' (care facilities) and 'fukushi' (welfare), and you can explain how 'sewa suru' fits into these broader systems. You are also sensitive to the potential negative connotations of 'sewa' in modern contexts, such as the 'caregiving crisis' (kaigo kiki) and the emotional labor involved.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'sewa suru' in all its forms. You can appreciate its use in classical literature or archaic expressions where 'sewa' might have slightly different meanings. You can use the word with perfect timing in complex social negotiations, knowing exactly when to offer 'sewa' and when to decline it to maintain social face. You can engage in deep discussions about the evolution of the 'sewa' concept in the digital age—for example, how 'taking care' of online communities differs from traditional physical care. You are a master of the 'O-sewa ni narimasu' culture, using it naturally in emails, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings with the correct level of keigo (honorific language). You can also identify and use rare idioms or puns related to 'sewa.' For you, 'sewa suru' is not just a verb; it is a fundamental unit of Japanese social logic that you can manipulate with precision and grace.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

世話する in 30 Seconds

Sewa suru is a versatile Japanese verb meaning 'to take care of' or 'to look after,' essential for discussing daily responsibilities and social interactions.
It is commonly used for pets, children, and the elderly, but it also appears in professional contexts as a form of mentoring or client management.
The phrase 'O-sewa ni narimasu' is a crucial cultural expression of gratitude and social debt used in business and formal social settings.
Grammatically, it functions as a 'suru' verb, typically preceded by the object and the possessive particle 'no' (e.g., 'inu no sewa suru').

The Japanese verb 世話する (sewa suru) is a foundational expression that translates primarily to 'to take care of' or 'to look after.' However, its usage in Japanese culture is deeply intertwined with social obligations, gratitude, and the concept of interdependence. At its core, it combines the noun sewa (meaning help, aid, or care) with the light verb suru (to do). While in English we might use 'look after' for a pet and 'take care of' for a business task, sewa suru specifically emphasizes the act of providing physical or emotional support to a living being or managing an affair that requires attention.

Daily Life: In a household setting, this word is used constantly to describe the daily routines of raising children, caring for elderly parents, or maintaining pets. It suggests a consistent, ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time favor.
Social Context: Beyond physical care, it is used when someone acts as a go-between or a facilitator. For example, if a professor helps a student find a job, the professor is 'taking care' of the student's career path through sewa.

私は毎日、近所の猫の世話するのが楽しみです。
(I look forward to taking care of the neighborhood cat every day.)

One of the most important aspects of this word is its polite form used in greetings. You will frequently hear the phrase 'O-sewa ni narimasu' (I am in your care / Thank you for your support). This highlights that sewa is not just an action you perform, but a state of being supported by others. When you use the verb sewa suru, you are the active provider of that support. It is a B1-level word because while the meaning is simple, the social nuances of who 'takes care' of whom are vital for natural communication in Japan. It differs from tasukeru (to help in an emergency) because sewa suru implies a sustained relationship of care.

祖母の世話するために、週末は実家に帰ります。
(I go back to my parents' house on weekends to take care of my grandmother.)

Professional Usage: In a work environment, sewa suru might refer to mentoring a new employee or managing the needs of a client. It carries a sense of professional hospitality.

Understanding sewa suru also requires understanding the word yaku (to burn). The idiom sewa wo yaku means to be overly helpful or meddlesome, showing that while taking care is good, doing it too much can be perceived as intrusive. Thus, the verb sewa suru is the neutral, positive version of this sentiment. It is essential for anyone living in Japan to master, as it covers everything from watering plants to nursing a sick friend. It is more than just a task; it is an expression of human connection and the labor of love or duty.

入院中の友人の世話するのは大変だが、やりがいがある。
(Taking care of a friend who is hospitalized is hard, but rewarding.)

Grammatically, 世話する (sewa suru) follows the pattern of a standard 'suru' verb. However, because 'sewa' is a noun, it is most frequently used with the particle wo (を), as in 世話をする. In casual speech, the wo is often dropped, resulting in sewa suru. To specify who or what is being cared for, you use the possessive particle no (の) before sewa.

The Standard Pattern: [Target] + の + 世話 + (を) + する. For example: Inu no sewa wo suru (To take care of a dog).

弟の世話をするのが私の日課です。
(Taking care of my younger brother is my daily routine.)

When using this verb in different tenses, you simply conjugate the suru part. To say 'I took care of,' use sewa shita. For 'I am taking care of,' use sewa shite iru. If you want to ask someone to take care of something, the polite request form is sewa wo shite kudasai or more naturally, sewa wo onegaishimasu. It is important to note that sewa suru is the active form. If you are the one receiving the care, you would use the passive-like construction sewa ni naru.

In complex sentences, sewa suru can be modified by adverbs to show the quality of care. Yoku sewa suru (to take good care of) or shikkari sewa suru (to take care of properly) are common pairings. You can also use it to describe a person's nature; a person who enjoys taking care of others is often called sewa-zuki (世話好き). This highlights that the verb isn't just about the action, but also about the character and social role of the individual.

彼女はとても世話をするのが上手な人です。
(She is a person who is very good at taking care of others.)

Negative Forms: To say someone is neglecting their duties, you might say sewa wo shinai. However, to imply a more serious neglect, words like hotta-ra-kashi are used. Sewa suru usually implies a positive or necessary effort.

Finally, consider the scope of the object. While you can sewa suru a person or an animal, you rarely use it for inanimate objects like a car or a computer unless you are personifying them or speaking metaphorically about 'nurturing' a project. For machines, shuri suru (repair) or teire suru (maintenance) are more appropriate. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners to avoid sounding like they are 'babysitting' their laptop.

子供が生まれたら、一生懸命世話するつもりだ。
(When the child is born, I intend to take care of them with all my might.)

In Japan, you will encounter 世話する (sewa suru) in a variety of environments, ranging from the very intimate to the strictly professional. Because Japanese society places a high value on the concept of 'Giri' (social obligation), the act of taking care of someone is often discussed as a key part of one's role in the community. You will hear it in schools, hospitals, homes, and even in anime or dramas where family dynamics are central.

At Home: Parents often tell their children, 'Pet no sewa wo shinasai!' (Take care of your pet!). In this context, it is used to teach responsibility. You'll also hear it among siblings, where the older sibling is expected to sewa suru the younger ones.

「お母さん、金魚の世話するの忘れないでね！」
('Mom, don't forget to take care of the goldfish!')

In the workplace, the word takes on a slightly different flavor. While a manager might not 'take care' of an employee in a physical sense, they sewa suru by ensuring the employee has the resources to succeed. However, the most common workplace use is the set phrase 'O-sewa ni narimasu.' You will hear this every time someone picks up the phone or starts an email. It translates to 'I am in your debt' or 'Thank you for your ongoing support.' Even though it uses the noun form, it stems from the same concept of care and mutual support.

Medical and caregiving settings are also prime locations for this word. Nurses (kangoshi) and caregivers (kaigoshi) perform sewa as their primary job. When a family member is in the hospital, the relatives will often say to the nurses, 'Chichi no sewa wo yoroshiku onegaishimasu' (Please take good care of my father). This usage is deeply respectful and acknowledges the burden of care being placed on the professional.

看護師さんは毎日、患者さんの世話するのに忙しい。
(Nurses are busy every day taking care of patients.)

In Media: In anime, you might hear a character described as 'sewa ga yakeru' (troublesome/demanding care). This is a common trope for a clumsy or high-maintenance character who needs others to look after them constantly.

Finally, you will hear this word in the context of community service and volunteering. Taking care of public parks or helping out at a local festival are all forms of sewa. It reflects the Japanese ideal of contributing to the 'world' (世) through 'talk/interaction' (話), which are the two kanji that make up the word. Whether it's a small child feeding a hamster or a CEO thanking a partner, sewa suru is the linguistic glue that binds Japanese social interactions together.

While 世話する (sewa suru) is a versatile verb, English speakers often make specific errors due to the broad nature of the translation 'to take care of.' In English, 'take care of' can mean anything from killing a target in a spy movie to fixing a broken sink. In Japanese, sewa suru is much more specific to nurturing and support.

Mistake 1: Using it for repairs: If your car is broken, you cannot say 'Kuruma no sewa wo suru.' This sounds like you are feeding the car or tucking it into bed. Instead, use shuri suru (repair) or naosu (fix).

❌ パソコンを世話する。
✅ パソコンを修理する。
(Use 'repair' for computers, not 'sewa'.)

Another common mistake is confusing sewa suru with tasukeru. While both involve helping, tasukeru is used for saving someone from a dangerous or difficult situation (like drowning or failing a test). Sewa suru is for the long-term maintenance of someone's well-being. If you 'sewa suru' a person who is drowning, you are essentially looking after them while they drown instead of pulling them out of the water!

Learners also often struggle with the direction of the action. Remember that sewa suru is 'I take care of you.' If you want to say 'Thank you for taking care of me,' you should use the passive-sounding O-sewa ni narimashita or Sewa wo shite moratta. Using Sewa shita to mean 'You took care of me' is grammatically incorrect and confusing.

❌ あなたは私を世話した。
✅ お世話になりました。
(Use the set phrase for receiving care.)

Mistake 4: Over-politeness: Adding 'O' to your own actions (e.g., 'Watashi ga o-sewa suru') can sometimes sound strange or overly formal in casual settings. When talking about your own pets or family, plain sewa suru is usually best.

Lastly, don't confuse sewa suru with ki wo tsukeru. The latter means 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention' to avoid danger. While taking care of a baby involves ki wo tsukeru, the overall act of raising and looking after them is sewa suru. Mastering these distinctions will make your Japanese sound far more natural and culturally attuned.

To truly master 世話する (sewa suru), you must understand its place among other 'help' and 'care' verbs. Japanese has a high degree of specificity depending on the target and the nature of the care being provided. Using the wrong word can change the meaning from 'kind caregiver' to 'technical mechanic' or 'emergency savior.'

介護する (Kaigo suru) vs. 世話する: Kaigo suru is specifically for nursing or professional caregiving, usually for the elderly or disabled. Sewa suru is more general and can be used for anyone, including healthy children or pets.
育児する (Ikuji suru) vs. 世話する: Ikuji suru specifically means 'child-rearing' or 'parenting.' While a parent sewa suru their child, ikuji refers to the broader concept of raising them to adulthood.

老人の介護する仕事は、体力がいる。
(The job of nursing the elderly requires physical strength.)

Another alternative is 面倒を見る (Mendo wo miru). This is very close to sewa suru and is often used interchangeably. However, mendo literally means 'trouble' or 'bother,' so mendo wo miru implies taking on the burden of looking after something. It is very common in spoken Japanese. For example, 'Could you look after my bags?' would be 'Nimotsu no mendo wo mite kureru?'.

For plants and gardens, you might use 手入れする (Teire suru). This means 'maintenance' or 'grooming.' While you can sewa suru a plant (watering it, keeping it alive), teire suru implies more detailed work like pruning or shaping. For professional medical care, 看護する (Kango suru) is the standard term for what a nurse does in a hospital.

Summary of Alternatives

助ける (Tasukeru): Rescue/Help in a pinch.
手伝う (Tetsudau): Assist with a specific task.
守る (Mamoru): Protect from harm.
可愛がる (Kawaigaru): To dote on or treat with affection.

Choosing between these depends on the 'vibe' you want to convey. If you want to sound like a responsible caregiver, sewa suru is your best bet. If you want to sound like you're doing a tough favor, mendo wo miru fits. If you're performing a professional duty, kaigo or kango are the correct choices. Understanding these synonyms will help you navigate the complex social landscape of Japanese caregiving.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, 'sewamono' were a genre of plays that depicted the everyday lives of commoners, as opposed to 'jidaimono' which were historical epics. This is why 'sewa' has a strong connection to the 'real world' and daily life.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /se.wa.su.ru/

US /se.wa.su.ru/

Japanese does not use stress accent. Focus on equal length for each mora (syllable).

Rhymes With

Kewa suru (to be steep - rare) Towa (eternity) Niwa (garden) kiwa (edge) suwa (exclamation) fuwa (discord) giwa (suspicion) kiwa (extreme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'su' like the English 'sue' (too long).
Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'roo' (too much lip rounding).
Putting stress on the first syllable 'SE-wa'.
Failing to pronounce the 'w' in 'wa' clearly.
Muttering the 'su' so it sounds like 'swa'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require practice. The concept is easy to recognize in text.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji 'Sewa' correctly can be tricky for beginners due to the number of strokes.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is simple and the verb follows standard 'suru' patterns.

Listening 2/5

It is a very frequent word, so it's easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

する (suru) 犬 (inu) 子供 (kodomo) 助ける (tasukeru) 手伝う (tetsudau)

Learn Next

介護 (kaigo) 看護 (kango) 面倒を見る (mendo wo miru) 恩 (on - gratitude/debt) 義理 (giri - obligation)

Advanced

世話物 (sewamono) 世話人 (sewanin) 肝煎り (kimoiri - sponsorship) 後見 (kouken - guardianship) 扶養 (fuyou - support/dependents)

Grammar to Know

Suru Verbs

Noun + suru = Verb. (e.g., Sewa + suru = To take care of).

The Particle 'No' for Objects

Object + no + Sewa. (e.g., Neko no sewa).

Polite Request '~shite kudasai'

Sewa wo shite kudasai.

Continuous Aspect '~shite iru'

Sewa wo shite imasu (I am currently taking care of...).

Experience '~shita koto ga aru'

Sewa wo shita koto ga arimasu.

Examples by Level

私は毎日、犬の世話する。

I take care of the dog every day.

Simple subject + object + verb construction.

母は花の世話する。

My mother takes care of the flowers.

Using 'no' to connect the object 'hana' to 'sewa'.

猫の世話するのを手伝います。

I will help take care of the cat.

Combining 'sewa suru' with 'tetsudau' (to help).

弟の世話する。

I take care of my younger brother.

Direct object with 'no'.

金魚の世話するのを忘れないで。

Don't forget to take care of the goldfish.

Negative command with 'wasurenaide'.

誰が鳥の世話するの？

Who takes care of the bird?

Question form using 'dare' (who).

毎日、庭の世話する。

I take care of the garden every day.

Implicit subject 'I'.

うさぎの世話する。かわいいね。

I take care of the rabbit. It's cute, isn't it?

Simple declarative sentence.

週末は妹の世話することになっています。

It has been decided that I will take care of my sister on weekends.

Using 'koto ni natte iru' to show an arrangement.

旅行の間、私の猫の世話してくれませんか？

Could you take care of my cat while I'm on a trip?

Polite request form 'shite kuremasen ka'.

赤ちゃんを世話するのは大変ですが、楽しいです。

Taking care of a baby is hard, but it's fun.

Using 'no wa' to turn the verb into a subject.

先生の世話するのを手伝いました。

I helped take care of the teacher (e.g., when they were sick).

Past tense 'tetsudaimashita'.

近所の人の犬を世話したことがあります。

I have had the experience of taking care of a neighbor's dog.

Using 'shita koto ga aru' for experience.

植物を世話するのは私の趣味です。

Taking care of plants is my hobby.

Defining a hobby with 'shumi desu'.

誰がこの部屋の世話するのですか？

Who is in charge of taking care of this room?

Asking about responsibility.

おばあちゃんの世話するために、早く帰ります。

I'll go home early to take care of my grandmother.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose.

入院している友人の世話するために、毎日病院へ通っています。

I go to the hospital every day to take care of my friend who is hospitalized.

B1 level sentence combining multiple clauses.

彼はとても世話するのが好きな、親切な人です。

He is a kind person who loves taking care of others.

Using 'sewa suru no ga suki' as a descriptive clause.

新しい社員の世話するのも、私の仕事の一つです。

Taking care of new employees is also one of my jobs.

Abstract usage for professional mentoring.

親の世話するのは子供の義務だと言う人もいます。

Some people say it is the duty of children to take care of their parents.

Discussing social duty and 'gimu'.

一人で多くの動物を世話するのは、思ったより難しいです。

Taking care of many animals by yourself is harder than I thought.

Comparative structure 'omotta yori'.

彼女は自分のことだけでなく、他人の世話するのにも一生懸命です。

She works hard not only on her own affairs but also on taking care of others.

Using 'dake de naku' (not only... but also).

ボランティアとして、地域の公園を世話することにしました。

I decided to take care of the local park as a volunteer.

Using 'koto ni shimashita' for a personal decision.

忙しすぎて、自分の健康を世話する暇がありません。

I'm so busy that I don't have time to take care of my own health.

Metaphorical use for health/self-care.

高齢化社会において、誰が誰を世話するかが大きな課題となっている。

In an aging society, who takes care of whom has become a major issue.

Formal sociological context.

彼は世話するのが得意だが、時々世話を焼きすぎて煙たがられる。

He is good at taking care of people, but sometimes he's too meddlesome and people find him annoying.

Contrasting 'sewa suru' with 'sewa wo yaku'.

後輩の世話する立場になって、初めて上司の苦労が分かった。

Now that I'm in a position to take care of my juniors, I finally understand my boss's struggles.

Using 'tachiba' to describe a social role.

迷い犬を世話しているうちに、情が移ってしまった。

While taking care of the stray dog, I grew attached to it.

Using 'shite iru uchi ni' to show a change over time.

病気の妻を献身的に世話する夫の姿に、多くの人が感動した。

Many people were moved by the sight of the husband devotedly taking care of his sick wife.

Using 'kenshinteki ni' (devotedly) as an adverb.

自分の庭を世話するように、地球の環境も守らなければならない。

Just as we take care of our own gardens, we must protect the Earth's environment.

Metaphorical comparison using 'you ni'.

彼は面倒見が良く、困っている人がいれば必ず世話する。

He is very helpful and always takes care of anyone who is in trouble.

Using 'mendo-mi ga yoi' as a character trait.

親の世話するためにキャリアを中断するのは、勇気がいる決断だ。

Suspending one's career to take care of parents is a decision that requires courage.

Discussing life choices and consequences.

伝統芸能の継承者を世話することは、文化を守ることに直結する。

Taking care of (mentoring) successors of traditional arts is directly linked to protecting culture.

High-level cultural and abstract usage.

彼は政界の黒幕として、多くの若手議員を世話してきたと言われている。

It is said that as a mastermind in the political world, he has taken care of many young lawmakers.

Political nuance of 'sewa' (patronage).

家族が病人を世話する負担を軽減するために、公的なサポートの拡充が急務だ。

To reduce the burden on families taking care of the sick, expanding public support is an urgent task.

Formal academic/policy-oriented sentence.

彼は恩師の世話することを、生涯の使命と考えている。

He considers taking care of his former teacher to be his lifelong mission.

Expressing deep personal conviction and 'shimei'.

地域社会が孤立した高齢者を世話する仕組み作りが求められている。

The creation of a system where the local community takes care of isolated elderly people is being called for.

Passive construction 'motomerarete iru'.

海外からの留学生を世話するホストファミリーには、忍耐と理解が必要だ。

Host families who take care of international students need patience and understanding.

Describing requirements for a role.

彼は自分の利益を顧みず、ひたすら他人の世話することに没頭した。

Without regard for his own profit, he devoted himself solely to taking care of others.

Using 'kaerimizu' (without regard for).

複雑な人間関係を世話するのは、心理的なエネルギーを大きく消耗する。

Taking care of (managing) complex human relationships consumes a great deal of psychological energy.

Psychological/abstract application.

万葉の時代から、人は互いに世話することを生の根幹としてきた。

Since the era of the Manyoshu, people have made mutual care the foundation of life.

Historical and philosophical context.

主君の世話することのみに終始したその武士の生涯は、忠義の鑑とされた。

The life of that samurai, which was devoted entirely to taking care of his lord, was considered a model of loyalty.

Archaic/literary tone.

自然の摂理に抗わず、ありのままの生命を世話することの難しさを痛感する。

I keenly feel the difficulty of taking care of life as it is, without resisting the providence of nature.

Deeply reflective and philosophical.

彼は、自らが世話する庭園を一つの宇宙と見なし、日々その調和を整えていた。

He regarded the garden he tended as a universe, daily arranging its harmony.

Poetic and metaphorical.

共同体の中で誰かを世話するという行為は、自己の存在証明でもある。

The act of taking care of someone within a community is also a proof of one's own existence.

Existential and sociological.

法治国家において、弱者を世話する責任は個人の善意を超えた制度的義務である。

In a state governed by the rule of law, the responsibility to take care of the vulnerable is an institutional duty that transcends individual goodwill.

Legal/political philosophy.

彼は、言葉の世話すること、すなわち言語の純粋性を守ることに一生を捧げた。

He devoted his life to 'taking care of words'—that is, to protecting the purity of language.

Metaphorical use for intellectual preservation.

死にゆく者の世話することは、生者にとって最も崇高な儀式の一つである。

Taking care of the dying is one of the most sublime rituals for the living.

Solemn and profound.

Common Collocations

犬の世話をする

赤ちゃんの世話をする

庭の世話をする

お世話になりました

世話を焼く

身の回りの世話

世話が焼ける

世話好き

世話人

世話を頼む

Common Phrases

お世話になります

— I am in your care. Used as a standard business greeting when meeting or contacting someone.

いつも大変お世話になっております。

お世話様です

— Thank you for your hard work/care. A slightly casual way to thank delivery people or workers.

配達ありがとうございます。お世話様です。

余計なお世話

— None of your business / Uncalled-for help. Used when someone is being too meddlesome.

それは余計なお世話だよ。自分でできる。

世話をかける

— To cause trouble or give someone work to do for you. Often used when apologizing.

ご迷惑と、お世話をかけてすみません。

世話をしない

— To not take care of. Often implies neglect.

彼はペットの世話を全くしない。

世話になる

— To be taken care of by someone. The state of receiving help.

叔父の家に世話になっている。

世話が行き届く

— To be well-cared for. Every detail is attended to.

このホテルは世話が行き届いている。

世話を押し付ける

— To force the responsibility of care onto someone else.

弟に猫の世話を押し付けた。

世話を忘れる

— To forget to take care of something.

忙しくて植物の世話を忘れていた。

世話の甲斐がある

— To be worth the effort of taking care of.

花がきれいに咲いて、世話の甲斐があった。

Often Confused With

世話する vs 助ける (Tasukeru)

Tasukeru is for emergencies or specific help; sewa suru is for ongoing care.

世話する vs 手伝う (Tetsudau)

Tetsudau is for assisting with a task; sewa suru is for general nurturing.

世話する vs 修理する (Shuri suru)

Shuri suru is for fixing machines; sewa suru is for living things or social affairs.

Idioms & Expressions

"世話を焼く"

— To go out of one's way to help someone, often to the point of being meddlesome.

彼は何でもかんでも世話を焼きたがる。

Neutral/Informal

"世話が焼ける"

— To be troublesome or require a lot of constant attention.

新人社員はまだ世話が焼ける。

Neutral

"お世話をかける"

— To cause someone to spend effort or time looking after you.

長い間、多大なお世話をかけました。

Polite

"世話女房"

— A devoted wife who takes excellent care of her husband's every need.

彼は世話女房をもらって幸せだ。

Slightly Dated

"世話物"

— A genre of Kabuki or Bunraku plays dealing with the lives of ordinary people.

今夜は世話物の芝居を見に行く。

Academic/Cultural

"余計なお世話"

— Unwanted advice or interference; 'Mind your own business.'

私の服に文句を言うなんて、余計なお世話だ。

Informal/Hostile

"世話を尽くす"

— To provide every possible care and attention to someone.

病床の母に世話を尽くした。

Formal/Literary

"世話になる身"

— The position of being supported or cared for by others.

世話になる身としては、文句は言えない。

Neutral

"世話を引く"

— To stop looking after someone or to withdraw one's support.

彼はついに息子から世話を引いた。

Rare/Formal

"世話をやくほど可愛い"

— The idea that the more trouble someone gives you, the more you love them.

世話をやくほど可愛いとは、よく言ったものだ。

Common Saying

Easily Confused

世話する vs 介護 (Kaigo)

Both mean 'care.'

Kaigo is professional nursing for the elderly/disabled; sewa is general care for anyone.

祖母を介護する (nursing) vs. 犬の世話をする (general care).

世話する vs 看病 (Kanbyou)

Both involve looking after someone.

Kanbyou is specifically nursing a sick person back to health.

風邪の友人を看病する。

世話する vs 面倒 (Mendo)

Both used in 'take care of' contexts.

Mendo implies a burden or responsibility; sewa is more neutral or nurturing.

面倒を見る vs. 世話をする。

世話する vs 育児 (Ikuji)

Related to taking care of children.

Ikuji is the noun for 'child-rearing' as a concept.

育児に励む (work hard at child-rearing).

世話する vs 養護 (Yougo)

Formal term for care.

Yougo is used in institutional contexts like 'protective care' or special education.

養護施設 (care facility).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] の世話をする。

犬の世話をする。

[Noun] の世話をしてください。

猫の世話をしてください。

[Noun] の世話をするために、[Action]。

祖父の世話をするために、家にいます。

[Noun] の世話をするのは、[Adjective] です。

赤ちゃんの世話をするのは、大変です。

[Noun] の世話をしながら、[Action]。

子供の世話をしながら、仕事をします。

[Noun] にはお世話になりました。

先生には大変お世話になりました。

[Noun] を世話するということは、[Definition]。

病人を世話するということは、忍耐が必要です。

[Noun] の世話に一生を捧げる。

孤児の世話に一生を捧げた。

Word Family

Nouns

世話 (Sewa - Care/Help)

お世話 (O-sewa - Polite version)

世話人 (Sewa-nin - Coordinator/Manager)

世話好き (Sewa-zuki - Person who likes taking care of others)

Verbs

世話する (Sewa suru - To take care of)

世話になる (Sewa ni naru - To be taken care of)

世話を焼く (Sewa wo yaku - To be meddlesome)

Adjectives

世話が焼ける (Sewa ga yakeru - Troublesome/Demanding care)

介護 (Kaigo - Elderly care)

看護 (Kango - Nursing)

育児 (Ikuji - Child-rearing)

面倒 (Mendo - Trouble/Care)

手伝い (Tetsudai - Help)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, business, and social settings.

Common Mistakes

Using 'sewa suru' for broken objects. → 修理する (Shuri suru) / 直す (Naosu)
You don't 'nurture' a broken toaster back to health; you fix it.
Saying 'Watashi wa anata wo sewa shita' for 'Thank you for your help.' → お世話になりました (O-sewa ni narimashita)
The first sentence means 'I took care of you.' Use the set phrase to express receiving care.
Using 'sewa suru' for a one-time favor. → 手伝う (Tetsudau)
If you just help someone cross the street, use 'tetsudau' or 'tasukeru.' 'Sewa' implies ongoing care.
Adding 'O' to your own actions in a casual setting. → 世話する (Sewa suru)
Saying 'Watashi ga o-sewa shimasu' to your family sounds awkwardly formal.
Confusing 'sewa suru' with 'ki wo tsukeru'. → 世話する (Sewa suru)
'Ki wo tsukeru' means to be careful; 'sewa suru' means to provide care.

Tips

Use with 'No'

Always remember to use the particle 'no' between the object and 'sewa.' For example, 'Neko no sewa' (Cat's care).

Business Greetings

Start every business interaction with 'O-sewa ni natte orimasu.' It builds immediate rapport.

Pet Care

If you have a pet, use 'sewa suru' to describe feeding, walking, and cleaning up after it.

Avoid Meddling

Be careful with 'sewa wo yaku.' If you want to offer help without sounding nosy, use 'tetsudaimashou ka?' (Shall I help?).

Suru Conjugation

Since it's a 'suru' verb, it conjugates like all others: shimasu, shita, shinai, shite.

Gratitude

When leaving a host's house, 'O-sewa ni narimashita' is the perfect way to show you appreciated their hospitality.

Hospital Visits

When visiting someone in the hospital, thank the nurses for the 'sewa' they are providing.

Describing People

Use 'sewa-zuki' to describe someone who naturally loves helping others. It is a compliment.

Drop the 'Wo'

In fast, casual speech, 'Neko sewa shita?' is perfectly fine and sounds very natural.

Kanji Mastery

Practice the kanji 世話. It appears in many formal documents and signs.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SEWA' as 'Saving Every Wee Animal.' When you take care of a pet, you are doing 'sewa.'

Visual Association

Imagine a person watering a plant (世) while talking (話) to it. They are taking care of the plant's 'world' through 'talk.'

Word Web

Care Help Pet Baby Nurture Obligation Gratitude Responsibility

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house you can 'sewa suru' today (e.g., a plant, a pet, or even yourself) and say the phrase out loud.

Word Origin

The word 'sewa' (世話) originates from the combination of 'world' (世) and 'talk/story' (話). Originally, it referred to popular gossip or worldly affairs that required attention. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'dealing with worldly matters' to 'taking care of someone's needs' or 'providing assistance.'

Original meaning: Worldly talk or common gossip.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'sewa suru' for elderly people; 'kaigo' is the professional term, and 'sewa' might sound slightly condescending if not used with respect.

In English, 'taking care of' can be cold or clinical. In Japanese, 'sewa' almost always implies a warm, human connection or a recognized social duty.

Sewamono plays in Kabuki theater (e.g., 'Sonezaki Shinju'). The phrase 'O-sewa ni narimashita' in the movie 'Departures' (Okuribito). The role of 'Sewa-yaki' characters in Ghibli films like 'My Neighbor Totoro'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

犬の世話した？
赤ちゃんの世話をお願い。
庭の世話が大変だ。
弟の世話をする。

At Work

お世話になっております。
新人の世話を頼むよ。
クライアントの世話をする。
プロジェクトの世話。

Hospital/Care

看護師さんの世話になる。
父を世話してくれてありがとう。
身の回りの世話をする。
介護の世話。

Social Events

祭りの世話人です。
パーティーの世話をする。
客の世話をする。
受付の世話。

Gratitude

大変お世話になりました。
お世話様でした。
世話をかけました。
感謝の世話。

Conversation Starters

"家で何かペットの世話をしていますか？ (Do you take care of any pets at home?)"

"子供の頃、兄弟の世話をしましたか？ (Did you take care of your siblings when you were a child?)"

"お世話になった先生は誰ですか？ (Who is a teacher who took care of you/you are indebted to?)"

"植物の世話をするのは得意ですか？ (Are you good at taking care of plants?)"

"最近、誰かのお世話をしましたか？ (Have you taken care of someone recently?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、あなたが世話をしたことについて書いてください。 (Write about something you took care of today.)

お世話になった人に感謝の手紙を書いてみましょう。 (Try writing a thank-you letter to someone who took care of you.)

ペットを世話することの難しさと楽しさについて。 (About the difficulties and joys of taking care of a pet.)

将来、親の世話をすることについてどう考えますか？ (What are your thoughts on taking care of your parents in the future?)

理想の「世話好きな人」とはどんな人ですか？ (What kind of person is your ideal 'person who likes taking care of others'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'teire suru' (maintenance) or 'shuri suru' (repair). 'Sewa suru' is for living things or social matters.

They are the same, but 'sewa wo suru' is slightly more formal and grammatically complete.

The most common way is 'O-sewa ni narimashita' if the help was over a period of time.

It can be, but it often means being 'meddlesome' or 'nosy.' Use it carefully.

Use 'kaigo' when talking about professional nursing or long-term care for the elderly.

Yes, it is very common for babies, though 'ikuji' is used for the concept of parenting.

It's a casual 'thank you' used for people performing a service, like delivery drivers.

The word itself is neutral, but adding 'O' makes it very polite.

It's better to say 'Watashi no sewa wo shite' (Take care of me).

Historically yes, but in modern Japanese, that meaning is only found in specific terms like 'sewa-banashi'.