Meaning and Usage
The verb かまう generally means "to care about" or "to mind" something or someone. It is often used when talking about paying attention to others' feelings, opinions, or needs.
Common Contexts
You will hear かまう in everyday conversations when someone is concerned about others or when they express indifference. For example, "かまわない" means "I don't mind" or "It doesn't matter."
Collocations and Patterns
- かまう + ない (negation): to not care or mind something
- かまって + あげる: to pay attention or care for someone, often used with children or pets
- かまっていられない: expression meaning "can't bother with" or "don't have time to care about"
Register and Nuance
This verb is casual and common in spoken Japanese. It can express both positive concern and negative indifference depending on context and negation.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse かまう with かまえる (to set up or prepare). Remember かまう is about caring or minding, not about preparing or positioning.