Translation guide
Expressing a sense of discomfort, anxiety, or lack of ease in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether the feeling is vague anxiety, physical discomfort, social awkwardness, or a premonition.
I feel uneasy about the future.
I felt uneasy about his attitude.
Means 'to worry'. Often used when the uneasiness is about a specific concern. More active than 不安.
I'm worried about the exam results.
Expresses that something is on your mind and causing unease. Slightly more formal or written.
I'm uneasy about his health.
To describe a physical sensation of unease, such as nausea or a general sick feeling.
Commonly used for feeling physically unwell, nauseous, or creeped out. Can also mean 'gross' or 'creepy'.
I feel carsick and uneasy.
Specifically refers to a queasy stomach or nausea.
I overate and feel queasy.
To express unease in a social situation, feeling out of place or awkward.
To express a feeling that something bad might happen, a sense of foreboding.
不安 (fuan) is a general, often vague anxiety. 心配 (shinpai) is worry about a specific thing. Use 不安 for a lingering sense of unease, and 心配 when you have a clear concern.
I'm anxious about the future. (vague)
I'm worried about the exam. (specific)
Avoid directly translating 'feel uneasy' as 不安定に感じる (fuantei ni kanjiru). 不安定 means 'unstable' or 'insecure' in a physical or systemic sense, not emotional unease.
I feel uneasy in the new environment.
I felt so uneasy I couldn't sleep.