思いやる

• Reading: おもいやる
• Romaji: omoiyaru
• Kanji breakdown: 思 (shi/omo) — think, feel; the やる portion is written in hiragana
• Pronunciation: /o.mo.i.ja.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To sympathise with; to feel for; to be considerate of. To show thoughtful concern for another person.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb combining 思い (thought, feeling) and やる (to send, direct). It means directing one's thoughts and feelings toward another person's situation. The noun form 思いやり (compassion, consideration) is extremely common and considered a core Japanese virtue.

Examples

1. 相手の気持ちを思いやることが大切だ。 It's important to be considerate of others' feelings.
2. 彼女はいつも周りの人を思いやる優しい人だ。 She is a kind person who always shows consideration for those around her.
3. 被災地の人々を思いやり、募金活動を始めた。 Feeling compassion for those in the disaster area, we started a fundraizing campaign.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, moral education, daily life

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound verb from 思い (thought) and やる (to send/direct). Literally means to send one's thoughts toward someone, capturing the Japanese cultural emphasis on empathy and consideration for others.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal