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.
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.
I'm worried about tomorrow's weather.
Expresses a feeling of anxiety or unease. Often used for more emotional or vague worries.
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.
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.
I'm worried about my relationships.
Literally 'to make one's head worry', meaning to be greatly troubled by something, often used for complex problems.
Expressing concern for another person's well-being or 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.
I'm worried about the exam.
He's worried about his hairstyle.
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.
Don't worry about what others think.
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.
I worry about the future.
I'm really worried about that problem.
彼の安否を案じています。
I am worried about his safety.