いたわる

Alternative writings: 労る, 労わる
JLPT:N1
Frequency:

1to pity or sympathize with someone; to treat them with compassion or kindness.

Group 1 VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

同僚の失敗を見て、彼は心からいたわった。

Seeing his colleague's failure, he felt genuine sympathy.

年配の人の話し方をいたわるように聞いた。

He listened to the elderly person's way of speaking with compassion.

2to tend to or care for someone (e.g., an injury or illness); to nurse or soothe.

Group 1 VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

祖母の足をいたわって、毎晩マッサージした。

I massaged my grandmother's feet every night to soothe them.

傷口をいたわるために消毒して包帯をした。

I disinfected and bandaged the wound to care for it.

看護師は患者を丁寧にいたわった。

The nurse carefully tended to the patient.

3to appreciate or acknowledge someone's efforts; to show gratitude or recognition for their work.

Group 1 VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

部長は長年の貢献をいたわって記念品を贈った。

The manager acknowledged long service and gave a commemorative gift.

みんなで彼女の労をいたわる会を開いた。

We held a gathering to honor her efforts.