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B1 noun 14 min read

見舞い

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 見舞い in 30 Seconds

Explanation 見舞い in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '見舞い' (usually said as 'omimai') is a special word for visiting a friend or family member who is sick. In English, we just say 'visit,' but in Japanese, we use 'omimai' when someone is in the hospital or has a bad cold. You might see this word in basic stories or hear it when a teacher explains why a student is not in class. A simple way to use it is 'omimai ni iku,' which means 'to go to visit a sick person.' You don't need to worry about all the complex rules yet, just remember that it's a kind thing to do when someone is not feeling well. You might bring a small gift, like some fruit, and say 'Odaiji ni,' which means 'Take care.' The 'o' at the beginning makes the word sound polite and nice. Even at this early stage, knowing this word shows you care about Japanese culture and people's feelings. It is one of the first 'social duty' words you will learn. Just remember: Hospital + Visit = Omimai.

At the A2 level, you can start using '見舞い' in more complete sentences. You should understand that it is a noun, but it acts as the purpose of your trip when you use the particle 'ni' with 'iku' (to go). For example, 'Byouin e omimai ni ikimasu' (I am going to the hospital for a visit). You should also learn that there are specific gifts associated with 'omimai,' called 'omimai-hin.' At this level, you should be aware of one very important rule: do not give potted plants! This is because the word for 'rooted' sounds like 'staying in bed for a long time.' Instead, you can bring cut flowers or fruit. You might also hear 'omimai' used when someone sends a card. If a friend is sick, you can send a message saying 'Omimai moushiagemasu,' which is a formal way to say 'I hope you feel better.' You are starting to see how Japanese uses different words for visiting depending on the person's health.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the social nuances of '見舞い.' This includes knowing the correct timing for a visit. For example, you shouldn't go for an 'omimai' immediately after someone has had surgery, as they need to rest. You also understand that the visit should be short—about 15 to 20 minutes. At this level, you can use the word in professional contexts. For instance, if a coworker is hospitalized, the office might collect 'omimai-kin' (sympathy money). You should know how to use compound words like 'omimai-kyaku' (visitor) or 'saigai-omimai' (disaster sympathy). You are also becoming aware of seasonal 'omimai,' such as 'shochu-omimai' (summer greetings) and 'kan-mimai' (winter greetings). These are not about being 'sick,' but about checking on someone's health during extreme weather. This shows that the concept of 'mimai' is about general well-being and social connection, not just hospitals.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the etiquette surrounding '見舞い' and be able to explain it to others. You understand the linguistic difference between 'mimai' (the noun) and 'mimau' (the verb). While 'mimai' is about sympathy, the verb 'mimau' can also mean to be struck by something negative, like a typhoon ('taifu ni mimawareru'). You can navigate complex social situations, such as knowing when to send a 'return gift' (uchiiwai) after you have received 'omimai' while you were sick. You are familiar with the specific types of envelopes (noshibukuro) used for 'omimai-kin' and the importance of the 'musubi-kiri' knot (a knot that cannot be untied), which symbolizes that the illness should not happen again. You can read news articles about the Imperial family or politicians conducting 'omimai' in disaster zones and understand the formal language used in those reports. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'menkai' (administrative visit) and 'imon' (consolation visit), and you can use them accurately based on the context.

At the C1 level, you understand '見舞い' as a reflection of deeper Japanese values like 'giri' (social obligation) and 'omotenashi' (hospitality). You can engage in nuanced discussions about how the tradition of 'omimai' is changing in modern Japan—for example, how some hospitals now restrict 'omimai' due to infection control, and how 'digital omimai' (sending messages or gift codes) is becoming more common. You are sensitive to the 'taboo words' (忌み言葉 - imikotoba) that should be avoided in 'omimai' letters, such as words that imply repetition or worsening of the condition. You can use the word in metaphorical or literary contexts, understanding its etymological roots in the verb 'mimau' which originally meant to go around and check on things. You are capable of writing formal 'omimai' letters using 'keigo' (honorific language) perfectly, such as 'Gubyou no hodo, kokoro yori omimai moushiagemasu' (I offer my heartfelt sympathy for your illness). You see 'mimai' not just as a word, but as a key to understanding Japanese social cohesion.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '見舞い' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the historical evolution of the word from the Heian period to the present day and how its meaning has shifted from a general inquiry to a specific act of sympathy. You are aware of regional variations in 'omimai' customs across Japan and can navigate even the most traditional or high-stakes social environments, such as visiting a high-ranking business executive or a traditional artisan. You can analyze the psychological impact of 'omimai' on both the giver and the receiver within the framework of Japanese collectivism. You are also proficient in using the verb 'mimau' in its most abstract and literary forms, such as describing a city being 'visited' by a wave of modernization or a person being 'visited' by a sudden realization. For you, '見舞い' is a versatile linguistic tool that encompasses history, sociology, and deep human empathy, and you use it with absolute precision and cultural grace.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

見舞い in 30 Seconds

A culturally essential Japanese noun for visiting the sick or showing sympathy after a disaster, emphasizing social bonds and empathy.
Commonly used as 'omimai' with specific gift taboos (no potted plants) and etiquette regarding short visit durations.
Used in both personal (hospital visits) and formal (disaster relief, seasonal greetings) contexts to maintain harmony and show care.
Grammatically functions as a noun, often paired with 'ni iku' (go to visit) or 'wo suru' (to do/offer sympathy).

The Japanese word 見舞い (mimai) is a profound cultural concept that extends far beyond a simple English translation of 'visiting the sick.' At its core, it represents the act of showing sympathy, concern, and solidarity with someone who is undergoing a period of hardship, most commonly physical illness or injury, but also following natural disasters or personal misfortunes. In Japanese society, where social harmony and the maintenance of relationships (giri) are paramount, performing an omimai (the polite form using the honorific 'o') is considered a significant social obligation and a gesture of deep kindness. It is not merely about showing up; it is about the ritualized expression of 'I am thinking of you and wishing for your recovery.' This word is a noun derived from the verb 見舞う (mimau), which historically meant to go and see someone to inquire about their well-being. Today, it encompasses the visit itself, the gift brought during the visit, and even the letters or messages sent when a physical visit is not possible. Understanding 見舞い requires an appreciation for the delicate balance of timing, gift etiquette, and verbal expressions that define Japanese interpersonal care. It is used in professional settings when a colleague is hospitalized, in family circles when a relative is unwell, and on a national scale when citizens send 'disaster sympathy' (saigai-omimai) to regions affected by earthquakes or floods.

Social Context: The act of 見舞い is governed by strict social rules. For example, visiting too early or staying too long is considered rude as it may burden the patient. The focus is always on the recipient's comfort rather than the visitor's desire to see them.

入院中の友人の見舞いに行くために、花屋でカーネーションを買いました。 (I bought carnations at the florist to go visit my friend who is hospitalized.)

Furthermore, 見舞い is categorized into different types based on the season or situation. For instance, sho-chu-mimai refers to summer greeting cards sent to inquire about one's health during the hottest part of the year, while kan-mimai serves a similar purpose during the freezing winter months. This demonstrates that the word is intrinsically linked to the Japanese climate and the tradition of seasonal mindfulness. When you tell someone you are going for an 見舞い, you are signaling that you are fulfilling a social duty that reinforces the bonds of your community. It is a word that carries weight, emotion, and tradition.

Gift Etiquette: Gifts for 見舞い, known as 見舞い品 (mimai-hin), usually include fruit, magazines, or flowers. However, potted plants are a major taboo because the word for 'rooted' (ne-zuku) sounds like 'staying in bed' (ne-tsuku), implying the patient will never leave the hospital.

お見舞いの品として、彼は高級なメロンを選んだ。 (He chose a high-quality melon as a gift for the hospital visit.)

In modern Japan, even if you cannot visit, sending an 見舞い email or card is highly valued. The word encapsulates the Japanese philosophy of 'omotenashi' (hospitality) and 'kyosei' (living together), showing that one's well-being is the concern of the whole group. Whether it is a small child visiting a grandparent or a CEO visiting a business partner, the essence of 見舞い remains a pillar of Japanese empathy and social etiquette.

地震の被災地に、全国からお見舞いの手紙が届いた。 (Sympathy letters arrived from all over the country to the area affected by the earthquake.)

Linguistic Nuance: The term can be used as a noun with 'ni iku' (to go for a visit) or 'wo suru' (to do a visit/expression of sympathy). It is versatile but always maintains a serious, empathetic tone.

風邪で休んでいる同僚に、お見舞いのメールを送った。 (I sent a sympathy email to a colleague who is off with a cold.)

祖父の見舞いに行ったら、彼は思ったより元気そうだった。 (When I went to visit my grandfather, he seemed more energetic than I expected.)

Using 見舞い (mimai) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations with verbs like iku (go), kuru (come), and okuru (send). Because 見舞い is a formal social action, it is almost always accompanied by the honorific prefix 'o' (お) in daily conversation. When you say 「お見舞いに行く」 (o-mimai ni iku), you are stating your intention to visit someone who is ill. This structure is the most common way to use the word. The particle ni indicates the purpose of your movement. For example, 「明日、入院している部長のお見舞いに行きます」 (Tomorrow, I will go to visit the department manager who is in the hospital). Note how the person being visited is marked with the possessive no before omimai.

Syntactic Patterns: 1. [Person] no omimai ni iku (Go to visit [Person]). 2. [Person] ni omimai wo okuru (Send a sympathy gift/letter to [Person]). 3. Omimai-hin (Sympathy gift).

彼女は怪我をした友人に、お見舞いのカードを添えて果物を送った。 (She sent fruit along with a sympathy card to her injured friend.)

Another important usage involves the word as a modifier. You can create compound nouns such as 見舞い客 (mimai-kyaku), meaning 'visitor to a patient,' or 見舞い品 (mimai-hin), meaning 'get-well gift.' In professional settings, companies often have a system for 慶弔見舞金 (keicho-mimai-kin), which are monetary gifts for congratulations, condolences, or illness. This shows that 見舞い is integrated into the formal financial and social structures of Japanese organizations. When using the word in a sentence to describe receiving a visit, you would use kuru: 「たくさんの人がお見舞いに来てくれました」 (Many people came to visit me). This passive receipt of care is a source of great comfort in Japanese culture.

病院の受付で、お見舞いの時間を尋ねた。 (I asked for the visiting hours at the hospital reception.)

In written Japanese, particularly in formal letters, 見舞い is used in standard opening phrases. For example, 「寒中お見舞い申し上げます」 (I offer my greetings for the cold season). This is a very formal way to start a letter during winter. Here, the word moushiagemasu (a humble form of 'say') is used to elevate the gesture. In more casual contexts, like a text message, you might simply say 「お見舞いに行けなくてごめんね」 (Sorry I can't come to visit you). The versatility of 見舞い across different levels of politeness makes it an essential word for B1 learners to master.

Common Verb Pairings: - Iku (Go to visit) - Kuru (Someone comes to visit) - Okuru (Send a gift/card) - Moushiageru (Formally offer sympathy) - Uketoru (Receive a sympathy gift)

彼は病気の母に毎日お見舞いの電話をかけている。 (He makes a sympathy call to his sick mother every day.)

退院した時、お見舞いをくれた人たちにお返しをした。 (When I was discharged, I gave return gifts to the people who had visited/given me sympathy gifts.)

You will encounter the word 見舞い (mimai) in several distinct environments in Japan. The most literal place is, of course, the hospital. In Japanese hospitals, there are often specific signs for 面会・お見舞い (menkai/omimai) hours. If you are visiting a friend, you will likely have to sign an お見舞い名簿 (omimai meibo), a guest book for visitors. The nurses and staff use this word constantly to manage the flow of people coming to support patients. Outside of the hospital, you will hear it in the news quite frequently. Whenever a natural disaster like a typhoon or earthquake occurs, the Emperor, the Prime Minister, or local governors will conduct an omimai to the affected areas. In this context, it isn't just a personal visit; it is a high-level official act of showing that the government cares for the citizens' suffering. You might see headlines like 「天皇陛下が被災地をお見舞い」 (His Majesty the Emperor visits the disaster-stricken area).

Daily Life Scenarios: 1. At the office: 'Tanaka-san is in the hospital, should we all go for an omimai?' 2. At the florist: 'I'd like a bouquet for an omimai, please.' 3. On TV: 'The Prime Minister expressed his omimai to the victims.'

テレビのニュースで、首相が地震の被災者にお見舞いの言葉を述べていた。 (On the TV news, the Prime Minister was offering words of sympathy to the earthquake victims.)

Another common place to hear this word is at a florist or a gift shop (depachika). Florists are experts in 見舞い etiquette and will guide you away from 'taboo' flowers like lilies (which are associated with funerals) or red flowers (which look like blood). You might say to the florist, 「お見舞い用の花をお願いします」 (Please give me some flowers for a hospital visit). Similarly, in the basement food halls of department stores, you will see pre-packaged fruit baskets specifically labeled for 見舞い. These are often wrapped in specific ways to indicate their purpose. Even in the digital world, Japanese social media and messaging apps like LINE have 'Get Well' stickers that are essentially digital 見舞い gestures. If a friend posts that they have the flu, the comments will be filled with 「お見舞い申し上げます」 or more casually 「お大事に！」 (Take care!), which is the spoken equivalent of the 見舞い sentiment.

デパートで、お見舞いに持っていくための菓子折りを選んだ。 (I chose a box of sweets at the department store to take for a hospital visit.)

Furthermore, the word appears in seasonal contexts. During the peak of summer, you will see signs for 暑中お見舞い (Late Summer Greetings) in post offices. These are cards sent to people to check on how they are handling the heat. It is a unique Japanese tradition where the environment itself is treated as a source of potential hardship that requires a 見舞い gesture. In schools, teachers might organize a class 見舞い for a student who is out for a long time, often involving a 'thousand paper cranes' (senbazuru) project. Thus, from the highest levels of government to the smallest kindergarten classroom, 見舞い is a word that echoes through the halls of Japanese life, representing the collective concern for the individual's health and happiness.

Specific Locations: - Hospital Reception (Visiting hours) - Post Office (Seasonal greeting cards) - Florists/Gift Shops (Selecting appropriate items) - Corporate HR Departments (Processing sympathy payments)

郵便局で、暑中お見舞いのはがきを買った。 (I bought late-summer greeting postcards at the post office.)

先生が病気で入院したので、クラス全員でお見舞いの色紙を書いた。 (Since the teacher was hospitalized due to illness, the whole class wrote a sympathy message on a decorative board.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 見舞い (mimai) is treating it like a casual 'hanging out' or 'visiting a friend' (asobi ni iku). In English, we might say 'I'm going to visit my friend in the hospital' using the same verb we use for visiting them at home. In Japanese, however, visiting a healthy person is asobi ni iku or houmon suru, while visiting a sick person is strictly 見舞い. Using the wrong word can make it sound like you are going to the hospital for fun, which is highly inappropriate. Another major pitfall involves the 'o' prefix. While you can omit it in very technical writing, in 99% of social interactions, omitting the 'o' in omimai sounds cold and unrefined. It is a word that demands the honorific to convey the necessary empathy.

Cultural Taboos (Critical!): The biggest mistakes are not linguistic, but cultural. 1. Bringing potted plants (implies staying sick). 2. Bringing 4 or 9 items (unlucky numbers). 3. Bringing red flowers (symbolizes blood). 4. Bringing lilies or chrysanthemums (funeral flowers).

× 友達の病院に遊びに行きました。 (Incorrect: I went to play at my friend's hospital.)
○ 友達の見舞いに病院へ行きました。 (Correct: I went to the hospital for a sympathy visit.)

Another mistake is the timing of the 見舞い. Learners often think 'the sooner, the better.' However, in Japan, visiting immediately after a surgery or during the first few days of a serious illness is often discouraged unless you are immediate family. This is because the patient needs rest, and a visit requires them to use energy to be a 'host.' Similarly, visiting late at night or during meal times is a faux pas. The word 見舞い implies a short, 15-20 minute visit. Staying for hours, as one might do in a Western 'hospital visit,' is considered a burden. When writing a 見舞い card, avoid using 'repetition words' (kasane-kotoba) like masamasu (more and more) or tabitabi (often), as these suggest the illness will repeat or worsen.

× お見舞いに鉢植えの花を持っていった。 (Bad Mistake: I took a potted plant for the hospital visit.)

Furthermore, there is a confusion between 見舞い and お悔やみ (okuyami). 見舞い is for those who are alive but suffering; お悔やみ is for those who have passed away. Using 見舞い in the context of a death is a grave error that can cause significant distress. Also, when giving money as omimai-kin, the bills should be placed in a specific envelope without a 'knot' that can be untied (musubi-kiri), signifying that this 'unfortunate event' should only happen once. Using a 'bow' knot (cho-musubi), which can be untied and retied, suggests you want the person to get sick again! These nuances are why 見舞い is such a high-stakes word in Japanese social navigation.

Summary of Don'ts: - Don't stay long. - Don't bring potted plants. - Don't use for funerals. - Don't use casual 'visit' verbs. - Don't forget the 'O' prefix. - Don't visit too early in the recovery process.

× お見舞いに4個のリンゴを買った。 (Mistake: I bought 4 apples for the visit. '4' is 'shi', which sounds like death.)

お見舞いの封筒は、結び切りの水引のものを選ばなければならない。 (You must choose a sympathy envelope with a 'musubi-kiri' knot.)

While 見舞い (mimai) is the standard term for a sympathy visit, there are several related words that cover similar ground but with different nuances. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 面会 (menkai). While 見舞い emphasizes the emotional act of showing sympathy, 面会 is a more neutral, administrative term for 'meeting' or 'visiting' someone in a restricted area like a hospital, prison, or military base. You will see 'Menkai Hours' on a hospital sign, but you will tell your friend you are coming for an 'Omimai.' One is the 'what' (meeting), the other is the 'why' (sympathy). Another term is 訪問 (houmon), which is a general word for 'visit' or 'call.' 訪問 is used for business calls or visiting someone's house, but it lacks the specific connotation of illness that 見舞い carries.

Word Comparisons

見舞い (Mimai): Focus: Sympathy for illness/disaster. Register: Polite/Empathic.
面会 (Menkai): Focus: The act of meeting in a facility. Register: Formal/Neutral.
訪問 (Houmon): Focus: General visiting (home/office). Register: Formal.
お悔やみ (Okuyami): Focus: Condolences for death. Register: Very Formal/Solemn.

病院の面会時間は午後8時までです。 (Hospital visiting hours are until 8 PM.)

In specific seasonal contexts, you might hear 挨拶 (aisatsu). While aisatsu means 'greeting,' it is sometimes used broadly to cover the seasonal check-ins that sho-chu-mimai does. However, aisatsu is too broad for a hospital context. Another specialized word is 慰問 (imon). This is a more formal and sometimes 'top-down' word for 'consoling' or 'visiting to cheer up.' It is often used when celebrities or groups visit orphanages, elderly homes, or troops. It has a slightly different flavor than 見舞い, which is more of a peer-to-peer or family-based gesture. For example, a k-pop group might do an imon to a military base, but a daughter would do an omimai to her mother.

歌手が老人ホームを慰問し、歌を披露した。 (The singer visited the nursing home to console the residents and performed songs.)

In the business world, you might hear 参舞 (sanmai), though it is quite rare and archaic, mostly appearing in historical contexts or specific martial arts traditions. For modern learners, the key is to distinguish 見舞い from okuyami (death) and menkai (the administrative visit). If someone is in the hospital, 見舞い is your go-to word. If you are just dropping by a friend's house for tea, use asobi ni iku. If you are going to a business partner's office for a meeting, use houmon. Mastering these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and culturally attuned.

Comparison Table

Word	Target	Vibe
Mimai	Sick/Victim	Kindness
Menkai	Patient/Inmate	Official
Houmon	Healthy/Client	Standard
Imon	Groups/Troops	Charitable

取引先の社長が怪我をしたので、部長が訪問してお見舞いを伝えた。 (The department manager visited the client's CEO, who was injured, and conveyed sympathy.)

友人の家へ遊びに行くのと、お見舞いに行くのは全く別だ。 (Going to a friend's house to hang out and going for a sympathy visit are completely different.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'mimau' can mean 'to strike' (like a typhoon), the noun 'mimai' is almost exclusively positive/sympathetic. It's a rare case where the noun and verb have diverged in common usage vibe.

Pronunciation Guide

UK mi.ma.i

US mi.ma.i

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'mimai', the pitch starts low on 'mi' and rises on 'ma', then stays relatively flat.

Rhymes With

Amai (sweet) Kimai (spirit/resolution - rare) Samai (left and right - related to 'sayu') Shimai (sisters) Nimai (two sheets) Kumai (ritual dance) Umai (delicious) Imai (a surname)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mi' like 'my' (it should be 'mee').
Pronouncing 'ai' like 'ay' as in 'say' (it should be 'ah-ee').
Putting heavy stress on one syllable (Japanese syllables are generally equal in length).
Forgetting the honorific 'o' in social contexts.
Confusing the noun 'mimai' with the verb 'mimau'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common, but the context-specific readings and compounds can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Writing a formal 'omimai' letter requires advanced knowledge of honorifics and taboo words.

Speaking 2/5

The phrase 'omimai ni iku' is easy to say, but the etiquette is hard to master.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in hospital or news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

病院 (Hospital) 病気 (Illness) 行く (To go) 来る (To come) 花 (Flower)

Learn Next

お大事に (Take care) 退院 (Discharge) 快気祝い (Recovery celebration) 面会 (Meeting/Visit) 慰問 (Consolation)

Advanced

忌み言葉 (Taboo words) のし袋 (Gift envelopes) 水引 (Decorative cords) 義援金 (Relief money) 弔問 (Condolence visit)

Grammar to Know

The 'O' (お) Honorific Prefix

お見舞い (Polite) vs 見舞い (Plain/Technical)

The 'Ni' Particle for Purpose

お見舞い【に】行く (Go for the purpose of a visit)

Relative Clauses

【入院している】友人のお見舞い (Visit a friend [who is hospitalized])

Humble Language (Kenjougo)

お見舞い【申し上げる】 (Humbly offer sympathy)

Compound Nouns

お見舞い + 品 = お見舞い品 (Sympathy gift)

Examples by Level

あした、おみまいにいきます。

I will go for a visit tomorrow.

Simple future/intention using 'ni ikimasu'.

おみまいのくだものをかいました。

I bought fruit for the visit.

Using 'no' to link 'omimai' and 'kudamono'.

ともだちがおみまいにきました。

A friend came to visit (me).

Using 'ni kimashita' to show someone came for a purpose.

おみまいのカードをかきます。

I will write a get-well card.

Noun 'omimai' modifying 'kaado'.

おみまいは、なんじですか？

What time is the visit?

Basic question using 'nanji'.

せんせいにおみまいをあげます。

I will give a sympathy gift to the teacher.

Using 'ageru' for giving.

おみまいに、はなをもっていきます。

I will take flowers for the visit.

Using 'motte iku' (to take).

おみまい、ありがとう。

Thanks for the visit.

Casual expression of gratitude.

風邪をひいた田中さんにお見舞いのメールを送りました。

I sent a sympathy email to Mr. Tanaka who caught a cold.

Using 'ni' for the recipient and 'wo' for the object.

入院しているおじいちゃんのお見舞いに行きました。

I went to visit my grandfather who is in the hospital.

Relative clause 'nyuin shite iru' modifying 'ojiichan'.

お見舞いに鉢植えの花を持って行ってはいけません。

You must not take potted flowers for a sympathy visit.

Using 'te wa ikemasen' for prohibition.

お見舞いの品として、美味しいゼリーを選びました。

I chose delicious jelly as a sympathy gift.

Using 'toshite' to mean 'as'.

母はお見舞いに来てくれた人に、お礼を言いました。

My mother said thank you to the people who came to visit her.

Relative clause 'omimai ni kite kureta' modifying 'hito'.

お見舞いの時間は午後2時から5時までです。

Visiting hours are from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Using 'kara... made' for time range.

友達の怪我が心配なので、お見舞いに行こうと思います。

I'm worried about my friend's injury, so I think I'll go visit.

Volitional form 'ikou' + 'to omoimasu'.

お見舞いの手紙に「お大事に」と書きました。

I wrote 'Take care' in the sympathy letter.

Using the quotation particle 'to'.

地震の被災者の方々にお見舞い申し上げます。

I offer my deepest sympathy to the earthquake victims.

Formal humble expression 'moushiagemasu'.

会社のみんなでお見舞い金を包みました。

Everyone at the office chipped in for a sympathy gift of money.

Using 'tsutsumu' (to wrap/enclose) for money.

お見舞いに行くときは、相手の体調を考えることが大切です。

When going for a visit, it's important to consider the other person's condition.

Using 'toki wa' to set the condition.

彼は入院中、毎日お見舞い客が絶えなかった。

While he was hospitalized, there was a constant stream of visitors every day.

Using 'taenakatta' (did not cease).

暑中お見舞いのはがきを恩師に送りました。

I sent a summer greeting card to my former teacher.

Seasonal greeting 'shochu-omimai'.

手術の直後にお見舞いに行くのは避けたほうがいいでしょう。

It would be better to avoid visiting immediately after surgery.

Using 'hou ga ii' for advice.

退院のお祝いとして、お見舞いのお返しをしました。

As a celebration of discharge, I gave return gifts for the sympathy visits.

Using 'okaeshi' (return gift).

お見舞いの品には、結び切りの水引を使います。

For sympathy gifts, we use a 'musubi-kiri' decorative cord.

Cultural terminology 'mizuhiki'.

被災地への見舞いとして、多くの義援金が集まった。

A lot of relief money was collected as sympathy for the disaster-stricken area.

Using 'toshite' for purpose/role.

急な病気でお見舞いに行けず、心苦しく思っています。

I feel bad that I couldn't go to visit due to a sudden illness.

Using 'kokorogurushiku omou' (to feel pained/sorry).

お見舞いのメッセージは、短く簡潔にまとめるのがマナーだ。

It is proper etiquette to keep sympathy messages short and concise.

Using 'no ga mana- da' (it is manners to...).

寒中お見舞い申し上げます。皆様のご健康をお祈りいたします。

Winter greetings to you. I pray for everyone's health.

Formal seasonal greeting pattern.

彼は不運にも、立て続けに災難に見舞われた。

Unfortunately, he was struck by one disaster after another.

Verb 'mimawareru' (to be struck by disaster).

お見舞いの品を選ぶ際は、病院の規則を確認すべきです。

When choosing a sympathy gift, you should check the hospital's rules.

Using 'sai wa' (at the time of).

彼女は病床の友人を元気づけるため、毎日お見舞いに通った。

She visited her bedridden friend every day to cheer them up.

Using 'kayotta' (frequently went).

お見舞い客が多いのは、彼の持ち前の人徳の現れだろう。

The large number of visitors is likely a reflection of his natural virtue.

Using 'araware' (expression/reflection).

天皇皇后両陛下が、豪雨の被災地をお見舞いになられた。

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited the areas hit by heavy rain to offer sympathy.

Honorific form 'o-mimai ni narareta'.

お見舞いの手紙では、「ますます」などの重ね言葉は忌み言葉とされる。

In sympathy letters, repetitive words like 'masamasu' are considered taboo.

Passive form 'sareru' (is considered).

災害見舞金の支給基準について、自治体から説明があった。

There was an explanation from the local government regarding the criteria for disaster sympathy payments.

Compound noun 'saigai-mimai-kin'.

病状が芳しくないとのことで、お見舞いは控えることにした。

Since the condition was reported as not being good, I decided to refrain from visiting.

Using 'hikaeru' (to refrain).

お見舞いの品に添える一筆箋には、温かい言葉を添えたい。

I want to include warm words on the small note paper attached to the sympathy gift.

Using 'soeru' (to add/attach).

近年の病院では、感染症対策のためお見舞いが制限されていることが多い。

In recent years, hospital visits are often restricted due to infection control measures.

Passive 'seigen sarete iru'.

長引く入院生活において、友人のお見舞いは何よりの励みになった。

During the long hospitalization, visits from friends were the greatest source of encouragement.

Using 'nani yori no' (best of all).

お見舞いの作法は、相手への深い配慮から生まれた伝統である。

The etiquette of sympathy visits is a tradition born from deep consideration for others.

Using 'kara umareta' (born from).

不慮の事故に見舞われた彼に対し、周囲は沈黙をもって見舞いの意を表した。

Toward him, who was struck by an unforeseen accident, those around him expressed their sympathy through silence.

Using 'mimawareru' (verb) and 'mimai' (noun) in the same context.

お見舞いの品というものは、単なる物ではなく、贈る側の祈りの結実であるべきだ。

A sympathy gift should not be a mere object, but the fruition of the giver's prayers.

Using 'beki da' (should be).

中元や歳暮とは異なり、お見舞いは予期せぬ事態に対する真摯な情動の露呈である。

Unlike mid-year or year-end gifts, a sympathy visit is an exposure of sincere emotion toward an unexpected situation.

Academic/Formal vocabulary like 'rotei' and 'shinshi'.

病床にある恩師へ、かつての教え子たちが連名でお見舞いの書を認めた。

The former students collectively wrote a letter of sympathy to their teacher, who is on their sickbed.

Using 'shitatameru' (to write/compose formally).

被災地の惨状を目の当たりにし、言葉を失う中で、ただお見舞いの念を強くした。

Witnessing the devastation of the disaster area and losing words, I only felt a stronger sense of sympathy.

Using 'nen wo tsuyoku shita' (strengthened the feeling).

お見舞いの文化が希薄化する現代において、その本質的な意味を問い直す必要がある。

In the modern era where the culture of sympathy visits is thinning, we need to re-examine its essential meaning.

Using 'kihakuka' (dilution/thinning).

彼は、自らも病に伏しながら、同じ病室の患者にお見舞いの言葉をかけ続けた。

While he himself was bedridden with illness, he continued to offer words of sympathy to the patients in the same room.

Using 'nagara' (while).

お見舞いという行為に内包される「共感」は、人間関係の根源的な絆を再確認させる。

The 'empathy' inherent in the act of a sympathy visit reconfirms the fundamental bonds of human relationships.

Using 'naihou sareru' (contained/inherent).

Common Collocations

お見舞いに行く

お見舞い品

お見舞い金

お見舞い客

お見舞いメール

災害見舞い

暑中お見舞い

寒中お見舞い

お見舞い返し

お見舞い状

Common Phrases

お見舞い申し上げます

— A formal way to express sympathy. Used in letters or formal speech.

ご病気とのこと、心よりお見舞い申し上げます。

お見舞いに伺う

— A humble way to say 'I will visit.' Used when speaking to superiors.

明日、お見舞いに伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。

お見舞いに来る

— To come for a sympathy visit.

友達がわざわざお見舞いに来てくれた。

お見舞いを渡す

— To hand over a sympathy gift or money.

受付でお見舞いを渡した。

お見舞いを控える

— To refrain from visiting (to let the patient rest).

今日は体調が悪いので、お見舞いは控えてください。

お見舞いの言葉

— Words of sympathy.

温かいお見舞いの言葉をいただいた。

お見舞いの印

— A token of sympathy.

お見舞いの印に、この本をどうぞ。

お見舞いセット

— A pre-made sympathy gift set.

果物屋でお見舞いセットを買った。

お見舞い受付

— The reception desk for hospital visitors.

まずはお見舞い受付に行ってください。

お見舞いカード

— A get-well card.

お見舞いカードにメッセージを書く。

Often Confused With

見舞い vs 面会 (Menkai)

Menkai is the administrative 'meeting'; Mimai is the emotional 'sympathy visit'.

見舞い vs お悔やみ (Okuyami)

Okuyami is for death; Mimai is for illness/life.

見舞い vs お参り (Omairi)

Omairi is for shrines/graves; Mimai is for people.

Idioms & Expressions

"災難に見舞われる"

— To be struck by a disaster or misfortune. (Verb form)

彼は不運にも交通事故に見舞われた。

Neutral

"不意打ちに見舞われる"

— To be hit by a surprise attack or unexpected event.

ライバル会社の新製品に不意打ちに見舞われた。

Neutral

"豪雨に見舞われる"

— To be hit by heavy rain.

九州地方が記録的な豪雨に見舞われた。

Journalistic

"寒波に見舞われる"

— To be hit by a cold wave.

日本列島が強い寒波に見舞われている。

Weather reports

"不況に見舞われる"

— To be hit by an economic recession.

その業界は深刻な不況に見舞われた。

Economic

"一撃を見舞う"

— To deal a blow (literal or metaphorical).

ボクサーが強烈な一撃を見舞った。

Sports/Literal

"言葉のお見舞い"

— A metaphorical way to say 'just giving kind words' without a gift.

品物はありませんが、せめて言葉のお見舞いだけでも。

Polite

"病魔に見舞われる"

— To be struck by a serious illness (literary).

若くして病魔に見舞われる。

Literary

"悲劇に見舞われる"

— To be struck by a tragedy.

その一家は突然の悲劇に見舞われた。

Journalistic

"強風に見舞われる"

— To be hit by strong winds.

山頂で強風に見舞われ、下山を断念した。

Neutral

Easily Confused

見舞い vs 見回り (Mimawari)

Sounds similar.

Mimawari means patrolling or checking for safety (like a security guard). Mimai is for sympathy.

夜の【見回り】をする vs 友人の【見舞い】に行く。

見舞い vs 見舞う (Mimau)

Verb form of the same word.

As a verb, it often means 'to be struck by' (negative events). As a noun, it's about sympathy.

台風が街を【見舞う】。

見舞い vs 慰問 (Imon)

Similar meaning of 'consoling'.

Imon is usually 'top-down' or charitable (celebrities visiting troops). Mimai is more personal/social.

兵士を【慰問】する。

見舞い vs 訪問 (Houmon)

Both mean 'visit'.

Houmon is general (business/house). Mimai is specifically for illness/hardship.

取引先を【訪問】する。

見舞い vs 見送り (Miokuri)

Starts with 'Mi'.

Miokuri means seeing someone off (at an airport/station).

駅まで【見送り】に行く。

Sentence Patterns

お見舞いに行きます。

あした、お見舞いに行きます。

[Person]のお見舞いに行きます。

田中さんのお見舞いに行きます。

[Reason]で、お見舞いに行けません。

仕事が忙しくて、お見舞いに行けません。

お見舞いに[Object]を持っていきます。

お見舞いに花を持っていきます。

お見舞い申し上げます。

心よりお見舞い申し上げます。

[Disaster]に見舞われる。

台風の被害に見舞われる。

お見舞いを控える。

面会謝絶なので、お見舞いを控える。

お見舞いの念を強くする。

惨状を見て、お見舞いの念を強くした。

Word Family

Nouns

見舞い (mimai) - Visit/Sympathy

お見舞い品 (omimai-hin) - Sympathy gift

お見舞い金 (omimai-kin) - Sympathy money

暑中見舞い (shochu-mimai) - Summer greeting

寒中見舞い (kan-mimai) - Winter greeting

Verbs

見舞う (mimau) - To visit/To strike (as a disaster)

お見舞いする (omimai suru) - To perform a sympathy visit

入院 (nyuin) - Hospitalization

退院 (taiin) - Discharge

快気祝い (kaiki-iwai) - Recovery celebration

看病 (kanbyou) - Nursing/Caring

同情 (doujou) - Sympathy

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and news media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'asobi ni iku' (go to play) for a hospital visit. → Use 'omimai ni iku'.
Asobi ni iku sounds like you are going for fun, which is disrespectful to a sick person.
Bringing a potted plant as a gift. → Bring cut flowers or fruit.
Potted plants 'root' the illness to the hospital bed in Japanese superstition.
Using 'omimai' for a funeral. → Use 'okuyami'.
Mimai is for the living; okuyami is for the deceased. Mixing them up is a major social error.
Visiting late at night or during meal times. → Visit during official 'menkai' hours, usually in the afternoon.
Patients have strict schedules for rest and medicine.
Using repetitive words in a sympathy card. → Use simple, direct well-wishes.
Words like 'tabitabi' (often) suggest the illness will happen again.

Tips

Short Visits are Best

In Japan, a sympathy visit should be brief (15-20 mins). Staying too long is considered 'meiwaku' (a burden) to the patient.

No Potted Plants

Never bring a potted plant to a hospital. The roots (ne) suggest 'staying in bed' (ne-tsuku) for a long time.

Use the 'O'

Always say 'o-mimai' instead of just 'mimai' to sound polite and empathetic.

Fruit is a Safe Bet

High-quality fruit is the most traditional and appreciated 'mimai-hin'. Individual portions are even better.

Check Visiting Hours

Hospitals have strict 'menkai' (visiting) hours. Always check them before you go.

Seasonal Greetings

Use 'shochu-omimai' in summer and 'kan-mimai' in winter to maintain your social network.

Avoid Taboo Words

Don't use words like 'again' or 'repeatedly' in your cards, as they suggest the illness will return.

Money Envelopes

If giving money, use a 'noshibukuro' with a red and white 'musubi-kiri' knot.

Say 'Odaiji ni'

This is the essential closing phrase for any sympathy-related interaction.

Disaster Sympathy

If someone's home is damaged, send a 'saigai-omimai' message immediately to show support.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Me' (Mi) 'My' (Ma) 'Eye' (i). 'Me and my eyes are going to see (見) you and cheer you up!'

Visual Association

Imagine a basket of fruit (a classic mimai-hin) sitting on a hospital bedside table next to a 'Get Well' card.

Word Web

Hospital Fruit Flowers Get Well Sympathy Disaster Etiquette O-prefix

Challenge

Try to write a 3-sentence email to a fictional sick colleague using 'omimai', 'odaiji ni', and 'kudamono'.

Word Origin

The word comes from the verb 'mimau' (見舞う). The kanji '見' means 'to see' or 'to look,' and '舞う' originally meant 'to move around' or 'to visit.'

Original meaning: In ancient Japanese, it meant to go around and check the status of something or someone, often used for inquiring after a person's condition.

Japonic (Native Japanese origin/Yamato-kotoba).

Cultural Context

Always check if a patient is up for visitors. Some people prefer 'omimai' messages over physical visits to avoid the pressure of hosting.

In English-speaking cultures, hospital visits are often longer and more casual. In Japan, they are shorter and more ritualized.

The 'Senbazuru' (1000 paper cranes) often given as an 'omimai' gift. Imperial family visits to Fukushima after the 2011 tsunami (Saigai-omimai). Studio Ghibli films often show characters visiting sick relatives with fruit (a classic mimai scene).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital Visit

お見舞いに来ました
お見舞い品です
面会時間はいつですか
お大事になさってください

Natural Disaster

被災地へのお見舞い
お見舞い金を送る
心よりお見舞い申し上げます
一日も早い復旧をお祈りします

Summer Greetings

暑中お見舞い申し上げます
暑い日が続きますが
ご自愛ください
はがきを出しました

Winter Greetings

寒中お見舞い申し上げます
寒い日が続きますね
お体にお気をつけて
返信が遅れました

Office Etiquette

部長のお見舞いに行きましょう
有志でお見舞い金を集める
お見舞いメールを打ちました
快気祝いをいただきました

Conversation Starters

"「最近、田中さんの【お見舞い】に行きましたか？」 (Have you gone to visit Mr. Tanaka recently?)"

"「【お見舞い】には何を持っていけばいいと思いますか？」 (What do you think I should take for the sympathy visit?)"

"「病院の【お見舞い】のルールを知っていますか？」 (Do you know the hospital's rules for visiting?)"

"「【暑中お見舞い】のはがきをもう書きましたか？」 (Have you already written your summer greeting postcards?)"

"「友達が怪我をしたので、あした【お見舞い】に行こうと思っています。」 (My friend got injured, so I'm thinking of going to visit them tomorrow.)"

Journal Prompts

今日、入院している友人の【お見舞い】に行きました。病院の雰囲気はどうでしたか？

もし自分が病気になったら、どんな【お見舞い】の品をもらいたいですか？その理由も書いてください。

日本の【お見舞い】のマナーについて、驚いたことや難しいと思ったことを書いてください。

災害のニュースを見たとき、どのような【お見舞い】の言葉をかけたいと思いますか？

子供の頃、誰かの【お見舞い】に行った時の思い出を書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but be careful! Avoid potted plants (they imply the illness will take root). Avoid red flowers (look like blood), lilies/chrysanthemums (funeral flowers), and strongly scented flowers that might bother other patients.

Usually between 3,000 and 10,000 yen depending on your relationship. Avoid amounts starting with 4 (death) or 9 (suffering). Use a special envelope with a 'musubi-kiri' knot.

It is a summer greeting card sent between mid-July and early August to check on someone's health during the hot weather. It is a common social custom in Japan.

Generally, no. It is best to wait a few days until the patient is stable and ready to receive visitors. Always check with the family first.

You can say 'O-mimai ni ukaimashita' (I've come to visit) and 'Guai wa ikaga desu ka?' (How are you feeling?).

The most important phrase is 'O-daiji ni' (Please take care of yourself).

It's better to use 'yousu wo mi ni iku' (going to see how they are). 'Omimai' is traditionally for humans, though very close friends might use it jokingly.

It is a return gift given to people who visited you or gave you gifts while you were sick. It is usually sent after you have recovered.

Keep it short, around 15 to 20 minutes. The patient needs rest, and hosting a visitor can be tiring.

Yes, in modern Japan, 'digital omimai' is very common and often preferred if the person is too sick for physical visitors.