かわいそうに
kawaisō ni
The English phrase 'you poor thing' is translated into Japanese as かわいそうに (kawaisō ni).
かわいそうに is an expression of sympathy or pity used when someone is experiencing something sad or unfortunate.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is adverbial in form, literally meaning 'pitifully' or 'in a pitiable manner', used here as an exclamation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
かわいそうに is a simple and straightforward way to express sympathy casually and is commonly used in informal or semi-formal settings, often towards children, animals or close friends. While it expresses sympathy, it can sometimes sound patronizing if used toward a social superior or in a professional context. The phrase お気の毒に is a formal way to convey sympathy and implies a compassionate understanding of someone's suffering.
How do you pronounce it?
kawaisō ni
Did you know?
- The word かわいい meaning 'cute' and かわいそう meaning 'pitiful' both share a root related to a protective instinct for fragile creatures.
- If you use a flat or falling intonation instead of a high-pitched one, かわいそうに can sound like you are mocking the person's misfortune rather than feeling for them.
- Japanese speakers may address inanimate objects like a broken toy or a wilted plant as かわいそうに.
Examples in context
- 今日、テストでミスしたんだって？かわいそうに。I heard you made a mistake on the test today? You poor thing.
- 風邪をひいたなんて、かわいそうに。Kaze o hiita nante, kawaisou ni.You caught a cold, you poor thing.
- 一人でそんな、かわいそうに。Hitori de sonna, kawaisou ni.Being all alone like that, you poor thing.
- テストに落ちたの？かわいそうに。Tesuto ni ochita no? Kawaisou ni.You failed the test? You poor thing.
Example conversation
Hiroto tells Himari that he lost his favorite umbrella.
- 大翔 Hirotoお気に入りの傘をなくしちゃった。Okiniiri no kasa o nakushichatta.I lost my favorite umbrella.
- 陽葵 Himariかわいそうに。どこでなくしたの？Kawaisō ni. Doko de nakushita no?You poor thing. Where did you lose it?
- 大翔 Hirotoたぶん、電車に忘れたと思う。Tabun, densha ni wasureta to omou.I think I probably left it on the train.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは残念だね。Sore wa zannen da ne.That's too bad.
