気遣う

• Reading: きづかう
• Romaji: kidzukau
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, feeling, mind; 遣 (ken) — send, use, direct
• Pronunciation: /ki.dzɯ.ka.ɯ/

Meaning

To worry about someone; to be solicitous of another's wellbeing; to take care to attend to another's feelings or needs out of consideration.

A Group 1 (godan) verb expressing attentive care directed outward toward others. Unlike 心配する (to worry), which can be self-focused, 気遣う always implies directing one's attention to another person's state. The noun form 気遣い (concern, solicitude) is equally common. Important in Japanese workplace and social contexts where maintaining harmonious relationships is valued. Excessive 気遣い can sometimes become a burden on the person exercising it, a nuance explored in contemporary discourse on mental health.

Examples

1. 退院したばかりの友人を気遣い、毎日電話で体調を確認した。 Out of concern for a friend who had just been discharged from hospital, I checked in by phone every day.
2. 部長は常に部下の体調を気遣い、無理な残業を押しつけることはなかった。 The department manager always looked out for the wellbeing of his staff and never imposed unreasonable overtime.
3. 周囲を気遣うあまり自分の意見が言えなくなるのは、長所が短所に転じた状態だ。 When excessive consideration for others leaves you unable to voice your own opinion, a strength has turned into a weakness.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, relationships, social interaction, caregiving

Tone: considerate

Origin & History

Compound of 気 (ki — feeling, spirit, mind) and 遣う (to use, to direct, to send). The image is of directing one's mind and attention outward toward another person's wellbeing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes