慰謝料

• Reading: いしゃりょう
• Romaji: isharyo
• Kanji breakdown: 慰 (i) — comfort, console; 謝 (sha) — apologise, acknowledge; 料 (ryō) — fee, compensation
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕa.ɾʲoː/

Meaning

Consolation money; damages; financial compensation paid as reparation for emotional distress, injury, or suffering caused by another party.

A legal and everyday term composed of 慰謝 (consolation/compensation for suffering) and 料 (fee/payment). Commonly used in divorce proceedings, defamation cases, workplace harassment claims, and accident settlements. Unlike 損害賠償 (damages for material loss), 慰謝料 specifically addresses mental and emotional suffering. Amounts are typically determined by courts or mediation.

Examples

1. 裁判所は被告に対し、精神的苦痛に対する慰謝料として五百万円の支払いを命じた。 The court ordered the defendant to pay five million yen in consolation damages for mental suffering.
2. 不倫が発覚した夫に、妻は慰謝料を求めて調停の申し立てをした。 After an extramarital affair came to light, the wife filed for mediation seeking consolation money from her husband.
3. 職場でのハラスメント被害者が慰謝料を受け取り、ようやく事案が解決した。 A victim of workplace harassment received consolation money, and the matter was finally resolved.

Usage Guide

Context: law, society, divorce, compensation, harassment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

慰謝 (isha, consolation/solace for suffering, from 慰 meaning comfort + 謝 meaning acknowledge/apologise) + 料 (ryō, fee/compensation). A legal term established in the Meiji civil code tradition.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Contemporary

Generation: Adults

Social background: General