不憫

• Reading: ふびん
• Romaji: fubin
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — negation; 憫 (bin) — pity, compassion
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯbiɴ/

Meaning

Pitiful; pitiable; deserving of sympathy due to unfortunate circumstances.

A na-adjective expressing compassionate sorrow for someone in a difficult or undeserved situation. It is distinct from 可哀想 in that 不憫 carries a slightly more formal, literary tone and implies deeper, more sustained empathy. Often used when contemplating the suffering of children, the elderly, or those in tragic circumstances.

Examples

1. 早くに両親を亡くした子どもたちが不憫でならなかった。 I couldn't help but feel pity for the children who lost both parents at a young age.
2. 不憫な境遇にある人々を支援するためのNPOが各地に設立されている。 NPOs have been established across the country to support people in pitiable circumstances.
3. 彼女の不憫な生い立ちを知ったとき、思わず涙がこぼれた。 When I learned about her unfortunate upbringing, tears involuntarily spilled from my eyes.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, social welfare, empathy, storytelling

Tone: compassionate

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) and 憫 (pity, compassion). The character 憫 contains the heart radical 心, reflecting an emotional response. The full compound refers to a state that cannot help but inspire pity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal