Translation guide
The English phrase "care about" covers a range of meanings from emotional concern to personal values. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on what kind of caring is meant.
Expressing that you are worried about or emotionally invested in a person, their well-being, or a situation.
The most direct and common way to say you are worried or concerned about someone or something. Often used for health, safety, or outcomes.
I care about his health. (I'm worried about his health.)
I'm worried about the exam results.
Literally 'to hang on one's mind,' implying ongoing concern or attention. Softer than 心配する, often used for showing care without overt worry.
Thank you for always caring about me.
Often used in negative form to mean 'don't care' or 'don't mind.' Can also mean being bothered by something. Use with caution as it can imply being overly sensitive.
Often used in negative requests: 気にしないで (Don't worry about it). Using it positively can sound like you are overly bothered.
He doesn't care about other people's opinions.
Expressing that something matters to you, that you hold it in high regard, or that it is a priority.
Means to treasure or value something. Used for relationships, objects, time, etc. Conveys a sense of cherishing.
I care about my family.
You should care about your time (value your time).
Similar to 大切にする, but slightly more casual. Also means to treat something as important or to take good care of it.
Let's care about our friends (treat them as important).
A formal/literary term meaning to respect, value, or place importance on something. Often used for abstract concepts like tradition or harmony.
Expressing that you are interested in or passionate about something.
Literally 'to have interest.' The standard way to say you are interested in something. Not as strong as 'care about' but often used in similar contexts.
I care about environmental issues (I'm interested in them).
Similar to 興味がある but slightly more formal and often used for social or intellectual concerns.
He cares about politics.
Expressing deep emotional attachment or love, often in a romantic context.
The strongest expression of love. Can be too heavy for casual use. Often softened in actual speech.
I care about you deeply (I love you).
The most common way to express affection, ranging from 'like' to 'love.' More natural than 愛している in daily conversation.
I care about you (I like/love you).
Literally 'to think of as precious.' A softer, less direct way to express deep care without explicitly saying love.
I care about her a lot (I treasure her).
Expressing lack of concern or interest. Often used in negative constructions.
A very common casual phrase meaning 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter.' Can sound dismissive.
I don't care about that kind of thing.
Means 'don't mind' or 'don't care.' Often used to reassure someone or state indifference.
I don't care about mistakes.
Means 'I don't mind' or 'it doesn't matter.' More polite than どうでもいい. Often used when giving permission or expressing indifference.
I don't care either way.
心配する implies active worry, often about a specific problem. 気にかける is a gentler, ongoing concern. 気にする often appears in negative forms and can imply being bothered by trivial things.
My mother always worries about my health.
The teacher cares about each student (keeps them in mind).
He cares about (is bothered by) small mistakes.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'care about.' Translating directly as ケアする or 世話する is usually wrong. Choose the expression based on the nuance: worry, value, interest, or affection.
He cares about tradition (values tradition).