哀れ

How to remember it

Root of "mono no aware" — the wistful pathos you feel witnessing fleeting beauty or misfortune.

Example sentences

• 彼の境遇は本当に哀れだ。

  かれのきょうぐうはほんとうにあわれだ。

  His situation is truly pitiful.

• 哀れな姿を見て涙が出た。

  あわれなすがたをみてなみだがでた。

  Tears came to my eyes seeing his miserable figure.

Usage

Works as noun or na-adjective; connotes sorrowful pity toward someone's misfortune.

Related words