compassion
/kɔ̃.pa.sjɔ̃/feminine
The English word "compassion" is translated into French as compassion.
compassion is a feminine noun used to describe a deep awareness of the suffering of another.
Meaning: deep awareness of the suffering of another (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the phrase avoir de l'indulgence is often used to convey compassion.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express an unspecified amount, such as "some compassion", use the partitive article de la before the noun to form de la compassion.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /kɔ̃.pa.sjɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- French speakers may use the phrase avoir le cœur sur la main to describe a person whose compassion is so great that they are instinctively generous with their money and time.
- French has a specific term co-souffrance which refers to the state of suffering together, a more intense and literal version of the concept behind compassion.
- The word compassion shares its root with the English word 'patient', as both derive from the Latin 'pati', meaning to endure or suffer.
Examples in context
- J'éprouve de la compassion pour lui.I feel compassion for him.This sentence is useful for expressing feeling compassion for someone.Tatoeba #13376223 by lbdx, translation #12664739 by anzart
- Les sociopathes ne ressentent pas de compassion.Sociopaths don't feel compassion.This sentence is useful for noting that sociopaths do not feel compassion.Tatoeba #12478201 by always, translation #9774895 by Amastan
- Le Dalaï Lama professe la pratique de la compassion.The Dalai Lama counsels the practice of compassion.This sentence is useful for discussing the practice of compassion.Tatoeba #570080 by sacredceltic, translation #560500 by darinmex
- Je ressens une profonde compassion pour toi.I feel deep compassion for you.
- Tu as vraiment du cœur, merci d'être là pour moi.You truly have a compassionate heart, thank you for being there for me.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a documentary about refugees.
- NathanCe film m'a donné beaucoup de compassion.This movie gave me a lot of compassion.
- ManonMoi aussi, c'est vraiment bouleversant.Me too, it is truly upsetting.
- NathanIl faut avoir de la compassion pour eux.We must have compassion for them.
- ManonTu as raison, Nathan.You are right, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compassion” translations and entries compassion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
