労る

• Reading: いたわる
• Romaji: itawaru
• Kanji breakdown: 労 (rō/itawa) — labor, toil, care for
• Pronunciation: /i.ta.wa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To show compassion; to sympathise with; to treat with kindness. Caring for someone who is tired, ill, or suffering.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb that conveys gentle care and sympathy toward someone in hardship. More tender and personal than 気遣う, it implies actively showing kindness through words or actions. Often used for caring for the elderly, the sick, or anyone who is struggling.

Examples

1. お年寄りを労る気持ちが大切だ。 It's important to show kindness to the elderly.
2. 病気の友人を労って花を贈った。 I gave flowers to my sick friend to show I cared.
3. 疲れた体を労るために温泉に行った。 I went to a hot spring to take care of my tired body.

Usage Guide

Context: family, caregiving, daily life

Tone: warm

Origin & History

The kanji 労 means toil or labor, suggesting recognition of someone's hard work or suffering. The verb form いたわる developed to express caring for those who have laboured or are in difficulty.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal