配慮

• Reading: はいりょ
• Romaji: hairyo
• Kanji breakdown: 配 (hai) — distribute, direct; 慮 (ryo) — consider, deliberate
• Pronunciation: /hai.ɾʲo/

Meaning

Consideration; showing thoughtfulness and care toward others' feelings, needs, or circumstances.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (配慮する, to show consideration). A sophisticated word conveying deliberate attentiveness. Very common in business, formal, and social contexts. Often appears in expressions like 配慮が足りない (lacking consideration) and 配慮を示す (to show consideration).

Examples

1. 周りの人への配慮を忘れないようにしたい。 I want to make sure I don't forget to show consideration for those around me.
2. 環境に配慮した製品が増えている。 There are more and more products made with environmental consideration.
3. 障がいのある方への配慮として段差をなくした。 As a consideration for people with disabilities, steps have been removed.

Usage Guide

Context: business, social, public policy, daily life

Tone: considerate

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 配 (hai, to distribute/direct) + 慮 (ryo, to consider/deliberate). Literally 'to direct one's deliberation,' meaning to consciously direct thought toward the concerns of others.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated