情け

• Reading: なさけ
• Romaji: nasake
• Kanji breakdown: 情 (nasake/jō) — emotion, sympathy, compassion
• Pronunciation: /na.sa.ke/

Meaning

Pity; sympathy; compassion; mercy. A deep feeling of kindness and concern for others.

A noun with rich cultural significance, referring to human compassion, mercy, and tender-heartedness. Central to the Japanese concept of 人情 (ninjou, human feeling). The famous proverb 情けは人の為ならず means 'kindness is not just for others' sake' (it comes back to you). Can also appear in 情けない (pathetic/shameful).

Examples

1. 情けは人の為ならずということわざを信じている。 I believe in the proverb that kindness is not just for others' sake.
2. 敵にも情けをかけるのが武士道だ。 Showing compassion even to your enemies is the way of the samurai.
3. 困っている人を見て情けをかけずにはいられなかった。 I couldn't help but show kindness to the person in need.

Usage Guide

Context: proverbs, ethics, literature

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Old Japanese nasake, related to 情 (jō, emotion). Originally meant deep emotion or romantic feeling, then broadened to include compassion and mercy. A core concept in Japanese ethical thought.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal