Translation guide
Expressing anxiety in Japanese involves a range of words and phrases that differ in intensity, formality, and nuance. The most common and versatile is 不安 (fuan), but other expressions like 心配 (shinpai) and 気になる (ki ni naru) are also frequently used. This guide organizes them by the type of anxiety you want to convey.
Expressing a general feeling of anxiety, worry, or unease about something.
The most direct and common word for 'anxiety' or 'unease'. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Often used with だ/です or に思う.
I'm anxious about the future.
He looks anxious.
Literally 'become anxious'. A natural way to say you start feeling anxious.
I get anxious when I think about the exam.
Means 'to be on one's mind' or 'to bother/worry'. Less intense than 不安, often used for nagging worries.
I'm anxious about his health.
Often translated as 'worry'. Can be used as a noun or suru-verb. Slightly more focused on concern for someone/something.
My mother is always anxious about me.
Expressing nervousness or butterflies, often before an event.
Means 'nervousness' or 'tension'. Commonly used before speeches, performances, etc.
I always get nervous before a speech.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart, often from nervousness or excitement.
I'm feeling anxious/nervous before the interview.
Expressing worry that something bad might happen.
Expressing a more profound or persistent anxiety, often psychological.
不安 (fuan) is a general feeling of anxiety or unease, often without a clear cause. 心配 (shinpai) is more about worry over a specific person or situation. 不安 is closer to 'anxiety', 心配 to 'worry'.
I have a vague anxiety.
I'm worried about my child's future.
気になる (ki ni naru) is a very natural way to express that something is bothering you or making you slightly anxious. It's less direct than 不安 and often used in daily conversation.
彼の安否が気がかりだ。
I'm anxious about his safety.
He is in deep anxiety/anguish.