構う

• Reading: かまう
• Romaji: kamau
• Kanji breakdown: 構 (kou/kama) — construct, care about, mind
• Pronunciation: /ka.ma.ɯ/

Meaning

To mind; to care about; to be concerned with. Often used in the negative to mean not to mind.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. Most frequently used in negative or question forms: 構わない (don't mind), 構いません (I don't mind, formal). Also used to mean to pay attention to or to tease. The phrase お構いなく (don't go to any trouble) is a common polite expression.

Examples

1. 少し遅れても構いませんか。 Would you mind if I'm a little late?
2. 私のことは構わないでください。 Please don't worry about me.
3. 子供にばかり構っていて仕事が進まない。 I spend so much time fussing over the kids that I can't get any work done.

Usage Guide

Context: permission, daily life, politeness

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 構 combines 木 (tree) with 冓 (connect). Originally meant to build or construct, evolving to mean concerning oneself with something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal