JLPT N1・N3 Vocabulary – Difference between “かわいそう” and “気の毒”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “かわいそう” and “気の毒“
2. かわいそう
3. 気の毒
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “かわいそう” and “気の毒“?
A: Both expressions are used when something sad or unfortunate happens to someone, showing that you share their feelings. However, they differ in nuance and usage.
かわいそう (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
To feel sympathy for someone’s misfortune and feel pain in your heart
[Examples]
あの女の子、転んでけがをしたのかな。かわいそうだね。
That girl might have fallen and gotten hurt. Poor thing.
あの犬、捨てられたのかな。かわいそう。
That dog might have been abandoned. How sad.
気の毒 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
①To feel sympathy for someone’s misfortune and feel pain in your heart.
②To feel guilty for causing inconvenience to someone.
[Examples]
子供のときに両親を亡くした友達を気の毒に思いました。（①）
I felt sorry for my friend who lost their parents during childhood.
今日、部下にはあちこちへ行かせて気の毒なことをしました。（②）
I felt bad for making my subordinates go here and there today.
Let’s Compare
First, a key point when using these two expressions is to avoid saying them directly to others (especially non-family members). Saying them directly can sound condescending about the other person’s unfortunate situation. However, “かわいそう” can be used with family members or people you are close to.
[Characteristics of “かわいそう”]
“かわいそう” is primarily used for children, animals, or those of lower status than the speaker. It is rarely used for people of higher status. In spoken language, you often hear it as “かわいそうに” when expressing emotional sympathy naturally.
[Example]
息子：「お母さん、けがして血が出てきた。」
母：「あら、かわいそうに。」
Son: “Mom, I got hurt and I’m bleeding.”
Mother: “Oh no, poor thing.”
見て、あの鳥、けがをして飛べないみたいだよ。かわいそうだね。
Look, that bird seems to be injured and can’t fly. Poor thing.
⇒ This expresses a spontaneous feeling of sadness upon seeing the injured bird.
[Characteristics of “気の毒“]
“気の毒” has two main uses:
①Sympathy for Someone’s Misfortune
It can be used for both superiors and subordinates. This expression carries a rational tone, showing sympathy after calmly understanding the other person’s situation.
[Example]
昨晩、社長の奥さんが亡くなったそうだ。まだお若かったのに。お気の毒に。
I heard that the president’s wife passed away last night. She was still so young. How unfortunate.
⇒ This expresses rational sympathy upon hearing about the president’s wife’s passing.
②Feeling Sorry for Causing Inconvenience
In this case, it is used when addressing someone of lower status. Compared to “かわいそう,” it has a more formal tone, and when expressing it more politely, “お気の毒” is used.
[Example]
部下には気の毒だが、売り上げが良くないし、今年のボーナスは少なくするしかないな。
I feel bad for my subordinates, but since sales aren’t good, we have no choice but to reduce this year’s bonuses.
⇒ This shows a sense of guilt for having to reduce bonuses due to poor sales.
Summary
[かわいそう]
- Primarily used for children, animals, or those of lower status.
- It expresses emotional sympathy in situations where you naturally feel compassion.
[気の毒]
- ①Rational sympathy, used for both superiors and subordinates, after understanding their situation.
- ②A feeling of guilt when causing inconvenience, typically toward someone of lower status.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. かわいそう
息子「お母さん、アイスクリーム落としちゃった。」
母親「かわいそうに。もう一個買ってあげるね。」
Son: “Mom, I dropped my ice cream.”
Mother: “Oh no, poor thing. I’ll buy you another one.”
*Since this is being said to one’s own child, “かわいそう” is the correct choice.
A. 気の毒な
昨日はとても暑かったのに、部下たちに外で仕事をさせて気の毒なことをしました。
It was extremely hot yesterday, but I made my subordinates work outside. I feel bad for them.
*Because this expresses guilt for making subordinates work in the heat, “気の毒” is appropriate.
A. かわいそう
あの犬、足が悪くてうまく歩けないのかな。かわいそうだな。
That dog seems to have trouble walking because of its bad leg. Poor thing.
*This shows a spontaneous emotional reaction, so “かわいそう” is correct.
A. 気の毒
リーさん、お父様が亡くなってしばらく国に帰るそうですよ。突然の出来事で、お気の毒ですね。
I heard Lee’s father passed away, and she will be returning to her country for a while. What an unfortunate situation.
*This reflects a calm acknowledgment of Lee’s situation, and the use of “お” indicates “お気の毒” is the correct choice.
