Translation guide
The English word "care" covers several distinct meanings: emotional concern, caution, medical attention, and responsibility. Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns. This guide helps learners choose the right expression for each situation.
Expressing that you are concerned about someone or something, or that something matters to you.
Used to say you care about something, often in the sense of being bothered or worried. Can be used in negative form to mean 'don't care'.
He cares too much about what others think.
Means to worry or be anxious about someone's well-being. Often used when you care about someone's health or situation.
To have someone or something on your mind, to be concerned in a caring way. Softer than 心配する.
Often used in negative form 構わない to mean 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter'. Can sound blunt.
Using 構わない can sound indifferent or cold. Use with care.
Expressing that someone is careful, cautious, or attentive to avoid mistakes or danger.
To be careful, pay attention, or take care. Used in warnings and advice.
Referring to looking after someone's health, nursing, or providing care services.
Nursing, caregiving, especially for the elderly or disabled. Used in formal contexts.
Expressing that someone is responsible for something or in charge of a task.
To be in charge of a task or area. Common in work settings.
Expressing that something is important to you or that you have an interest in it.
To treasure or value something, showing that you care about it deeply.
気にする is about being bothered or concerned about something, often mentally. 心配する is stronger, implying worry or anxiety about a person or situation. Use 心配する when you are genuinely worried about someone's well-being.
He is concerned about the exam results.
I don't care what people say.
My mother always cares about my health.
先生はいつも生徒のことを気にかけている。
The teacher always cares about the students.
彼が来ようが来まいが構わない。
I don't care whether he comes or not.
Please take care of the cars.
Be careful with your language.
Common phrase meaning 'be careful' or 'take care'. Used in daily conversation.
Please watch your step.
Take care not to catch a cold.
To be cautious or on guard, often against potential danger or trouble.
Please be careful on the streets at night.
She works in caregiving.
Looking after someone, taking care of daily needs. Can be used for children, pets, or sick people.
Take care of children.
I'm busy caring for the sick person.
Loanword from English, used in compound terms like スキンケア (skin care) or ヘアケア (hair care).
This cosmetic is good for skin care.
Nursing a sick person, often at home. More personal than 介護.
My mother caught a cold, so I took care of her.
I will take care of this project.
To entrust something to someone, leaving it in their care.
I'll leave this matter in your care.
To look after someone or something, taking responsibility for their needs.
Please take care of the dog while I'm away.
I care about my family.
Similar to 大切にする, but slightly more casual. Means to treat something as important.
You should care about your friends.
母は私の将来を心配している。
My mother is worried about my future.
English 'I don't care' can be rude if translated directly. 気にしない is softer, while どうでもいい is very dismissive. Choose based on context.