Translation guide
The feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Japanese has several words for anxiety, ranging from clinical terms to everyday expressions.
Expressing a general feeling of anxiety or worry about something.
The most common and versatile word for anxiety, worry, or unease. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
I'm anxious about tomorrow's exam.
He feels anxiety about the future.
Often translated as 'worry' or 'concern'. Slightly less intense than 不安 and commonly used for everyday concerns.
Don't worry so much.
My mother is always anxious about my health.
A slightly formal or literary term for something that weighs on one's mind. Implies lingering worry.
I'm anxious about his safety.
Referring to anxiety as a medical or psychological condition.
Anxiety specifically related to social situations.
The standard term for social anxiety. Often used in the compound 社交不安障害 (social anxiety disorder).
I can't speak in public because of social anxiety.
A Japanese-specific term for intense fear of interpersonal situations, similar to social anxiety disorder. Often used in clinical psychology.
symptoms of social anxiety
Describing the physical or emotional state of being anxious.
Means 'to get nervous' or 'to feel tense'. Commonly used for situational anxiety like before a speech or exam.
I got nervous during the interview.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart due to nervousness or excitement. Very casual.
I was nervous on my first date.
Describes restlessness or fidgeting due to anxiety. Often used when waiting for something.
I was anxious while waiting for the results.
Talking about anxiety causing suffering or mental anguish.
不安 (fuan) is a broader, more abstract feeling of anxiety or insecurity, while 心配 (shinpai) is more concrete worry about a specific thing. 不安 is often used for existential or future-oriented anxiety, whereas 心配 is used for everyday concerns like someone's health or a test result.
I'm anxious about the future. (existential)
I'm worried about the exam results. (specific)
English speakers often say 'I'm anxious' for mild nervousness, but in Japanese, 不安 can sound heavier. For everyday nervousness, use 緊張する or ドキドキする instead.
After much anguish, I made a decision.