Sympathetic Meaning in English

word

US

/ˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/

sim-puh-THE-tik

UK

/sˌɪmpəθˈɛtɪk/

sim-puh-THE-tik

Definition

Showing understanding and care for someone else’s feelings or problems; feeling or expressing sympathy.

Usage & Nuances

Used for people who understand and care about others' emotions or troubles. 'Sympathetic' is not the same as 'empathetic'; 'sympathetic' involves showing kindness, while 'empathetic' means deeply feeling another's emotions. In English, 'sympathetic' does NOT mean 'likable' or 'friendly', which is a common confusion for Spanish/Portuguese/French speakers.

• Spanish: comprensivo - simpático (emocionalmente)
• Portuguese (BR): compreensivo - solidário
• Portuguese (PT): compreensivo - solidário
• Chinese (Simplified): 有同情心的 - 同情的
• Chinese (Traditional): 有同情心的 - 同情的
• Hindi: सहानुभूतिपूर्ण - हमदर्द
• Arabic: متعاطف - متفهم
• Bengali: সহানুভূতিশীল - সহানুভূতি প্রকাশকারী
• Russian: сочувственный - понимающий
• Japanese: 同情的 - 思いやりのある
• Vietnamese: đồng cảm - thông cảm
• Korean: 동정적인 - 공감하는
• Turkish: sempatik (anlayışlı) - anlayışlı - halden anlayan
• Urdu: ہمدرد - غمگسار
• Indonesian: penuh simpati - penuh pengertian

Example Sentences

My teacher was very sympathetic when I was sick.

basic

He gave me a sympathetic smile.

basic

Julia was sympathetic to her friend's problems.

basic

You need someone sympathetic to talk to when life gets tough.

natural

She’s always sympathetic when I’m upset about work.

natural

Don’t worry, he’s pretty sympathetic—just explain your situation.

natural