Translation guide
Expressing worry or concern in Japanese depends on the nuance: general anxiety, concern for others, or being troubled by a specific issue. Common verbs include 心配する (shinpai suru) for general worry, 気にする (ki ni suru) for being bothered by something, and 悩む (nayamu) for deeper, personal anguish.
Expressing that you are worried about something in a general sense, often about a future event or someone's well-being.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be worried about'. It can be used for both personal worries and concern for others.
試験の結果が心配です。
I'm worried about the exam results.
I'm worried about his health.
Literally 'to be on one's mind'. It implies a lingering worry or concern, often about something you can't stop thinking about.
明日の天気が気になる。
I'm worried about tomorrow's weather.
Expresses a feeling of anxiety or unease. Often used for more emotional or vague worries.
将来が不安です。
I'm worried about the future.
Expressing that something bothers you or you are concerned about it, often in a social context or about minor issues.
Means 'to mind' or 'to be concerned about'. Often used when someone is overly worried about trivial things or what others think.
彼は小さなことを気にしすぎる。
He worries too much about small things.
人の目を気にしないで。
Don't worry about what others think.
Similar to 気にする but often implies a more caring concern, like looking out for someone.
Expressing that you are deeply troubled or agonizing over a problem, often a personal dilemma.
Means 'to be troubled' or 'to worry' about a serious problem. It implies a deeper, often prolonged mental struggle.
人間関係で悩んでいます。
I'm worried about my relationships.
将来のことで悩む。
I worry about the future.
Literally 'to make one's head worry', meaning to be greatly troubled by something, often used for complex problems.
その問題に頭を悩ませている。
I'm really worried about that problem.
Expressing concern for another person's well-being or safety.
As above, but used with a person as the object. Very common for expressing concern for family or friends.
母はいつも私のことを心配している。
My mother is always worried about me.
A more literary or formal way to say 'worry about', often used in writing or formal speech.
彼の安否を案じています。
I am worried about his safety.
心配する is general worry; 気にする is about being bothered or mindful of something, often trivial; 悩む is deeper, personal anguish. Use 心配する for most situations, 気にする when someone is overly concerned about minor things, and 悩む for serious, ongoing worries.
試験のことが心配だ。
I'm worried about the exam.
彼は髪型を気にしている。
He's worried about his hairstyle.
人生の意味について悩んでいる。
I'm worried about the meaning of life.
Using 心配する for trivial matters can sound overly dramatic. For minor worries, use 気にする or 気になる instead.
いつも私のことを気にかけてくれてありがとう。
Thank you for always worrying about me.