悲しんでいる

You use this phrase to describe the emotional state of another person. You simply take the person's name, add the particle wa, and follow it with kanashinde iru. For example, Tanaka-san wa kanashinde iru means 'Mr. Tanaka is feeling sad.' It is very descriptive. It tells the listener that you can see or feel the person's sadness. It is a very empathetic way to talk about someone else's heart.

Use this when you notice a friend is down after a breakup. It is perfect for describing a character in a sad movie or book. You might use it when texting a friend to check on someone else. 'Is he still sad about the news?' would use this form. It also fits when talking about a child who lost their favorite toy. It shows you recognize their pain is real and ongoing.

Do not use this for yourself in casual conversation. If you are sad, just say kanashii. Using the verb form for yourself can sound a bit like you are narrating a drama. Also, avoid using it for trivial things. If you missed a bus, you are probably just annoyed, not kanashinde iru. This phrase carries a bit of weight. Don't use it for a minor 'oops' moment or you will sound overly dramatic.

Japanese culture places a high value on omoiyari, or empathy. Noticing that someone is kanashinde iru is considered a sign of emotional intelligence. You are 'reading the air' and acknowledging their feelings without them having to say a word. Historically, expressing deep grief was often done through poetry. Today, this phrase remains a gentle way to observe and respect someone's emotional process.

In casual speech, you will often hear kanashinderu. This drops the i sound and is very common among friends. If you are in a polite setting, use kanashinde imasu. If you want to say someone 'looks' sad, you would use kanashisou. If you are writing a formal report or a novel, kanashinde iru is the standard form. Each variation keeps the core meaning but changes the 'flavor' of the conversation.