悲しみ

• Reading: かなしみ
• Romaji: kanashimi
• Kanji breakdown: 悲 (hi/kana) — sad, sorrowful
• Pronunciation: /ka.na.ɕi.mi/

Meaning

Sadness; sorrow; grief. A deep feeling of loss or unhappiness.

The noun form of the adjective 悲しい (sad). While 悲しい describes the state of being sad, 悲しみ refers to sadness as a tangible emotional experience. Frequently used in literature and emotional expression. Common collocations include 悲しみに暮れる (to be consumed by grief) and 悲しみを乗り越える (to overcome sadness).

Examples

1. 大切な友人を失った悲しみは簡単には消えない。 The grief of losing a dear friend doesn't just go away.
2. 悲しみを乗り越えて、前に進もうと決めた。 I decided to push through the sadness and keep moving forward.
3. 彼の目には深い悲しみが宿っていた。 There was a deep sadness in his eyes.

Usage Guide

Context: personal feelings, literature, loss

Tone: somber

Origin & History

Derived from the i-adjective 悲しい (kanashii, sad). The kanji 悲 combines 非 (not) and 心 (heart), suggesting a heart in a state of negation or distress.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal