慕う

• Reading: したう
• Romaji: shitau
• Kanji breakdown: 慕 (bo/shita) — yearn for, adore, long for
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ta.ɯ/

Meaning

To yearn for; to adore; to look up to with affection. A deep emotional longing or admiration for someone.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb expressing deep affection, admiration, or longing. Used for romantic yearning, children's attachment to parents, or a student's reverent admiration for a mentor. Carries a warmer, more emotional tone than 尊敬する (to respect).

Examples

1. 生徒たちは優しい先生を慕っている。 The students adore their kind teacher.
2. 故郷を離れ、母を慕う気持ちが強くなった。 After leaving my hometown, my longing for my mother grew stronger.
3. 多くの人に慕われるリーダーになりたい。 I want to become a leader who is admired by many people.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, relationships, education

Tone: affectionate

Origin & History

The kanji 慕 combines 忄(心, heart) with 莫 (evening/dusk), evoking the feeling of longing that deepens as the sun sets — a poetic image of yearning in the twilight.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal