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.
将来が不安です。
I'm anxious about the future.
彼は不安そうな顔をしている。
He looks anxious.
Literally 'become anxious'. A natural way to say you start feeling anxious.
試験のことを考えると不安になる。
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.
彼の健康が気になる。
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.
母はいつも私のことを心配している。
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.
スピーチの前はいつも緊張する。
I always get nervous before a speech.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart, often from nervousness or excitement.
面接の前でドキドキしている。
I'm feeling anxious/nervous before the interview.
Expressing worry that something bad might happen.
The verb form of 心配. Often used with ～かどうか or ～のではないか.
雨が降らないか心配している。
I'm anxious that it might rain.
A slightly formal noun meaning 'anxiety' or 'concern'. Often used in writing.
彼の安否が気がかりだ。
I'm anxious about his safety.
Expressing a more profound or persistent anxiety, often psychological.
A noun meaning 'feeling of anxiety'. Often used in psychological contexts.
強い不安感に襲われた。
I was seized with intense anxiety.
Means 'anguish' or 'distress'. Stronger and more literary than 不安.
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'.
漠然とした不安がある。
I have a vague anxiety.
子供の将来が心配だ。
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.
He is in deep anxiety/anguish.