Translation guide
How to express a vague sense of discomfort, anxiety, or that something is off in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether the feeling is emotional, physical, situational, or intuitive.
Expressing a vague feeling of worry, nervousness, or that something bad might happen.
The most common and direct word for 'uneasy' or 'anxious'. Used for both emotional and situational unease.
明日の試験が不安だ。
I feel uneasy about tomorrow's exam.
彼の様子が不安にさせる。
His behavior makes me feel uneasy.
Closer to 'worried' than 'uneasy', but often used in similar contexts. Implies concern about a specific outcome.
彼が遅いので心配だ。
I'm worried (uneasy) because he's late.
Describes a restless, fidgety unease; unable to settle down. Often physical restlessness from mental discomfort.
何だか落ち着かない気分だ。
I feel kind of uneasy/restless.
When you have an intuitive, hard-to-pinpoint feeling that a situation isn't right.
Literally 'there is a sense of incongruity'. Used when something feels off, not quite right, or out of place.
彼の説明に違和感がある。
I feel uneasy about his explanation; something feels off.
Stronger, more visceral. Can mean 'creepy', 'gross', or 'unsettling'. Use with caution as it can sound harsh.
あの場所は気持ち悪い。
That place gives me an uneasy/creepy feeling.
A premonition of something bad; a feeling of foreboding. More literary or dramatic.
胸騒ぎがして眠れなかった。
I had an uneasy feeling and couldn't sleep.
When 'uneasy' refers to a physical sensation of nausea or stomach discomfort.
General phrase for feeling unwell or nauseous. Can also mean 'unpleasant feeling' emotionally.
車に酔って気分が悪い。
I feel sick/uneasy from car sickness.
Onomatopoeia for a queasy stomach, often from disgust or nausea.
胃がむかむかする。
My stomach feels queasy/uneasy.
When the unease comes from tension between people or an awkward situation.
Describes an awkward, uncomfortable atmosphere between people. Often after an argument or embarrassing moment.
気まずい沈黙が続いた。
An uneasy silence continued.
Feeling uncomfortable in a place or social setting; not at ease.
初めてのパーティーで居心地が悪かった。
I felt uneasy at the party where I didn't know anyone.
不安 (fuan) is a more general, often vague unease or anxiety. 心配 (shinpai) is worry about a specific thing or person. If you can pinpoint the cause, 心配 is often better.
将来が不安だ。
I feel uneasy about the future. (vague)
試験の結果が心配だ。
I'm worried about the exam results. (specific)
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'uneasy'. Translating directly as '不安' may sound too strong or clinical in casual contexts. Choose based on the specific nuance.