介抱する

• Reading: かいほうする
• Romaji: kaihou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 介 (kai) — mediate, assist; 抱 (hou) — embrace, hold, care for
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.hoː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To nurse; to care for a sick or injured person. To tend to someone who is unwell.

A suru-verb meaning to look after someone who is ill, injured, or incapacitated — often implying hands-on, personal care such as staying by their side, giving water, or helping them rest. Commonly used when caring for someone who is drunk, fainted, or suddenly taken ill. More personal and immediate than 看護する (kangosuru, to nurse professionally).

Examples

1. 友人が倒れたので、救急車が来るまで介抱した。 My friend collapsed, so I looked after them until the ambulance arrived.
2. 飲みすぎた同僚を一晩中介抱するはめになった。 I ended up tending to my colleague who had drunk too much all night long.
3. 道で具合の悪そうな人を見つけて、近くの人が介抱していた。 I found someone on the street who looked unwell, and people nearby were taking care of them.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, daily life, social situations

Tone: caring

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 介 (kai, mediate/assist) + 抱 (hou, embrace/hold). Literally 'to hold and assist' — evoking the image of physically supporting an ailing person.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal