Translation guide
Expresses a state of worry, distress, or difficulty. Japanese uses different words depending on whether the trouble is mental worry, a concrete problem, or a nuisance caused by others.
To be worried, anxious, or mentally distressed about something.
The most common word for mental anguish, worry, or being troubled by a problem. Often used for personal dilemmas or emotional distress.
I'm troubled about my future.
Means 'to worry' or 'be concerned'. Slightly less intense than 悩む, often used for concern about others or future events.
I'm troubled about his health.
To worry excessively, to take something to heart. Implies brooding over a problem.
To be troubled by a specific problem, obstacle, or difficult situation.
The most common word for being in a fix, having a problem, or being inconvenienced. Focuses on the practical difficulty rather than emotional distress.
To be bothered, annoyed, or inconvenienced by what someone else does.
To be troubled by someone's nuisance behavior. Focuses on the inconvenience caused by others.
To be afflicted or tormented by something, often ongoing.
悩む is for mental/emotional worry (e.g., about life decisions), while 困る is for practical problems (e.g., lost keys). Use 困る when you need a solution, 悩む when you need peace of mind.
Worry about the future vs be in financial trouble
English 'be troubled' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, choose the specific word that matches the type of trouble. Using 困る for emotional worry may sound odd.
I often get troubled by relationships.
Don't be troubled by small mistakes.
I'm troubled because I have no money.
I got lost and was troubled.
To have a hard time, to struggle. Implies sustained effort and hardship.
I'm troubled by raising children.
To be at a loss how to handle someone or something. Often used for troublesome people or situations.
I'm troubled by mischievous children.
I'm troubled by the neighbor's noise.
To cause trouble to someone. Often used to apologize or warn.
I'm sorry for troubling you.
To cause someone to be troubled (transitive). Used when someone's actions make you troubled.
His attitude troubles me.
To suffer, be in pain, or be tormented. Stronger than 悩む, often for physical pain or deep anguish.
He is troubled by illness.
Passive form of 悩む, meaning to be troubled or plagued by something (often external).
I'm troubled by the noise.