What does 哀れ mean?
哀れ is a Japanese noun meaning “helpless, pity, pathetic” in English. It can also be translated as “pitiable, alack” depending on context. It is written as 哀れ in kanji, あわれ in hiragana, and aware in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N3 vocabulary.
Example sentences
彼女は哀れを誘う有様だった。
She was in a piteous state.
彼は神にあわれな少女を助けてくださいと祈った。
He prayed to God to help the poor girl.