情け深い

• Reading: なさけぶかい
• Romaji: nasakebukai
• Kanji breakdown: 情 (nasake/jō) — emotion, sympathy, compassion; 深 (fuka/shin) — deep, profound
• Pronunciation: /na.sa.ke.bɯ.ka.i/

Meaning

Tender-hearted; compassionate; charitable; good-hearted.

An i-adjective describing someone with deep empathy and kindness. Combines 情け (nasake, compassion) + 深い (fukai, deep). Used to praise someone's generous, caring nature — 情け深い人 (a compassionate person). More literary and heartfelt than 優しい (yasashii, kind), implying a profound, innate warmth rather than surface politeness. Often appears in character descriptions, stories, and tributes.

Examples

1. 祖母は情け深い人で、誰にでも優しかった。 My grandmother was a compassionate person who was kind to everyone.
2. 情け深い隣人が困っている家族を助けた。 A compassionate neighbor helped a family in need.
3. 彼女の情け深い性格に多くの人が救われた。 Many people were saved by her tender-hearted nature.

Usage Guide

Context: character description, stories, praise

Tone: warm

Origin & History

From native Japanese: 情け (nasake, compassion/sympathy) + 深い (fukai, deep). A straightforward compound meaning 'deep in compassion' — someone whose empathy runs profound.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal