Translation and Meaning of: 悲しむ - kanashimu

The Japanese word 悲しむ[かなしむ] carries a deep and culturally rich meaning, expressing a universal feeling: sadness. If you are looking to better understand its usage, origin, or how to memorize it, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide the best content for Japanese learners, so we will uncover everything from the writing in kanji to everyday examples.

Meaning and use of 悲しむ

悲しむ is a verb that means "to grieve" or "to lament." It describes an emotional state of sorrow, whether due to loss, disappointment, or a painful situation. Unlike more casual words like 寂しい (lonely), 悲しむ carries a heavier weight, often associated with significant events.

In daily life, the Japanese use this word in formal and informal contexts, but with some reservation. For example, it is common to hear it in news about tragedies or in conversations about personal losses. Phrases like "彼はその知らせを聞いて悲しんだ" (He was sad to hear the news) illustrate its use well.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 悲 is composed of two elements: the radical 心 (heart) at the bottom, which indicates emotion, and the upper part 非, which originally represented "wrong" or "opposite." Together, they suggest the idea of a "contradicted heart," which makes perfect sense for expressing sadness.

It is worth noting that this kanji is not one of the most complex, but its pronunciation can confuse beginners. The reading かな-しむ is kun'yomi (Japanese reading), while "hi" is the on'yomi (Chinese reading), used in words like 悲劇 (higeki – tragedy).

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 悲しむ is to associate it with real situations. For example, think of scenes from Japanese dramas where characters express mourning – often, this word appears in subtitles or dialogues. Animes like "Your Lie in April" use tones of sadness that relate to the verb.

Another tip is to create flashcards with the kanji 悲 highlighting its radical. Take the opportunity to note down short phrases like "なぜ悲しむの？" (Why are you sad?), commonly used in conversations. According to language acquisition studies, associating words with emotional contexts enhances retention.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 悲しむ

• 悲しむ - Positive form, base
• 悲しまない - negative form
• 悲しんだ - past form
• 悲しませる - causative form
• 悲しめる - potential form
• 悲しもう - Presumed form
• 悲しまれる - ive form
• 悲しもうとしている - Progressive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 悲しむ (kanashimu) - Feel sadness; to regret.
• 嘆く (nageku) - To mourn; to express sadness.
• 泣く (naku) - Crying; expressing emotional pain through tears.
• 悲嘆にくれる (hitan ni kureru) - To be in deep sadness; to be distressed by pain.
• 哀しむ (kanashimu) - To feel sorrow or sadness, similar to 悲しむ, but with a deeper connotation.
• 嘆息する (taseki suru) - Sighing with sadness; lamenting with a sigh.
• 悲しみに暮れる (kanashimi ni kureru) - Living in sadness; being immersed in pain.
• 悲観する (hikan suru) - Be pessimistic; see the negative side of life.
• 悲傷にくれる (hishō ni kureru) - To be consumed by sadness or pain.
• 嘆かわしいと思う (nagekawashii to omou) - To find it regrettable; to feel that something is worthy of lament.