Translation and Meaning of: 共感 - kyoukan

If you have studied Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 共感[きょうかん]. But what does it mean exactly? And how do Japanese people use it in their daily lives? In this article, we will explore the meaning, the origin, and the use of this word, as well as provide practical tips to memorize it and understand its cultural context. If you want to learn Japanese for real, understanding like 共感 is essential for communicating naturally.

The meaning of 共感[きょうかん]

共感[きょうかん] is a Japanese word that can be translated as "empathy" or "emotional understanding." It describes the ability to put oneself in another's shoes, sharing feelings and experiences. Unlike sympathy, which is just recognizing what someone feels, 共感 implies a deeper connection.

In Japan, this concept is highly valued, especially in social and professional contexts. Demonstrating 共感 is seen as an important skill for maintaining harmonious relationships. If you've heard of the term "omotenashi" (Japanese hospitality), know that 共感 is closely related to this idea.

The origin and the kanjis of 共感

The word 共感 is composed of two kanjis: 共 (kyou), which means "together" or "shared," and 感 (kan), which refers to "feeling" or "emotion." Together, they form the concept of "shared feeling," reinforcing the idea of emotional connection.

It is worth noting that 共感 is not a new word. It has roots in Confucian and Buddhist thought, which value social harmony and mutual understanding. To this day, this term is widely used in discussions about psychology, education, and even business in Japan.

How to use 共感 in everyday life

In everyday life, Japanese people use 共感 in conversations about relationships, work, and even in critiques of movies and books. For example, someone might say: "この映画に共感した" (kono eiga ni kyoukan shita) – "I identified with this movie." This expression indicates that the person felt an emotional connection with the story.

Another common use is in professional environments, where demonstrating 共感 can improve communication among colleagues. Japanese companies often promote training to develop this skill, as it helps to resolve conflicts and strengthen teamwork.

Tips for memorizing 共感

If you are learning Japanese, a good way to memorize 共感 is to associate the kanjis with their meaning. Think of 共 as "sharing" and 感 as "emotion". Together, they form the idea of "sharing emotions", which is the essence of empathy.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. Watch doramas or animes and pay attention to how the characters express 共感. Phrases like "彼の気持ちに共感する" (kare no kimochi ni kyoukan suru – "I understand/feel what he is going through") are great for reinforcing vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 共鳴 (kyoumei) - Resonance; a shared feeling that triggers an emotional response.
• 同感 (doukan) - Feeling of identification or empathy with another person's situation.
• 共感覚 (kyoukankaku) - Synesthesia; when the perception of one sense automatically triggers the experience of another sense.
• 共感性 (kyoukansai) - Ability to empathize; the skill to understand and share another person's feelings.
• 共感力 (kyoukanryoku) - Power of empathy; the strength or ability to deeply feel and understand the emotions of others.