Meaning and Usage
"気の毒" (きのどく) is an expression used to show sympathy or pity towards someone who is in an unfortunate or difficult situation. It can mean "pitiful," "a pity," or "sorry for you." It is often used in both spoken and written Japanese to express empathy.
Common Contexts
You will hear "気の毒" when someone wants to express genuine sympathy for another person's misfortune, such as illness, accidents, or personal troubles. It can also be used politely to soften bad news or refusals.
Collocations and Patterns
- 気の毒に思う: to feel sorry for someone
- 気の毒ですが: a polite phrase to express regret or soften refusal
- 本当に気の毒だ: emphasizing sincere pity
Register and Politeness
"気の毒" is polite and appropriate in formal and informal situations. When combined with "ですが," it becomes a polite way to deliver bad news or decline requests.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "気の毒" with casual expressions of pity like "かわいそう." While both express sympathy, "気の毒" is slightly more formal and can be used in polite contexts, whereas "かわいそう" is more casual and emotional.