Meaning and Usage
The verb 見舞う (みまう) primarily means "to visit someone who is ill or in trouble," often translated as "to ask after someone's health" or "to visit a patient." It is commonly used when visiting friends or family members in the hospital or those affected by disasters.
Common Contexts
- Visiting sick people: This is the most frequent use, such as going to see a hospitalized relative or friend.
- Offering sympathy or aid: It can also mean to visit or send help to people suffering from natural disasters or other hardships.
Collocations and Patterns
- 見舞いに行く: to go visit (someone ill or in trouble)
- 見舞いを受ける: to receive a visit (usually from someone concerned about your health or situation)
- 被害を見舞う: to suffer or be struck by damage or disaster (used in news or formal contexts)
Register and Nuance
見舞う is polite and somewhat formal, often used in written or respectful spoken contexts. It is not casual and usually implies genuine concern or sympathy.
Common Learner Mistake
Confusing 見舞う with simple "visit" verbs like 訪ねる (たずねる). 見舞う specifically implies visiting someone due to illness or hardship, so using it for casual visits can sound unnatural. Use 訪ねる for general visits and 見舞う for visits related to health or misfortune.