Omoiyari

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A Japanese term denoting the concept of empathy and consideration for others' feelings and circumstances
2. Describing a mindset that emphasizes understanding and compassion towards the emotions and experiences of others
3. Reflecting a sense of thoughtfulness and kindness in interpersonal relationships, highlighting the importance of caring for others' well-being

Etymology: Omoiyari is a Japanese noun built from two parts: "omoi," from the verb "omou," meaning "to think" or "to feel," and "yari," from "yaru," meaning "to give" or "to send," in the sense of sending something out to someone. The compound therefore literally suggests sending your thoughts or feelings toward another person. Its first attested use in print is hard to pin down with certainty, but it is a native Japanese formation rather than a borrowing from Chinese, which sets it apart from many abstract nouns in the language. The word is closely associated with a broader cultural ideal. In Japanese usage it describes the ability to imagine how another person feels and to act on that imagination without being asked. Because it rests on inference rather than explicit request, it is often contrasted with more direct forms of help, and it appears frequently in discussions of social etiquette and relationships.

Synonyms: consideration, empathy, compassion, thoughtfulness, kindness

Antonyms: selfishness, indifference, rudeness, inconsideration, callousness