Translation guide
The feeling of being uncertain, anxious, or lacking confidence about oneself or a situation. Japanese expresses this through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that describe the state of mind, often with nuances of anxiety, self-consciousness, or instability.
Because of his insecurity, he can't make decisions easily.
Anxiety, uneasiness. Often used to describe a general sense of insecurity about the future or oneself. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
I feel insecure in a new environment.
A common phrase meaning 'I lack confidence in myself'. More conversational than 自信のなさ.
I'm insecure and afraid of speaking in public.
Inferiority complex. A deeper, more psychological term for insecurity stemming from feeling inferior to others.
She has an insecurity about her educational background.
Complex (from English). Often used for specific insecurities about appearance, ability, etc. Common in casual speech.
I have an insecurity about being short.
Feeling uncertain or anxious about a relationship, fearing rejection or abandonment.
Literally 'unstable feelings'. Describes the emotional insecurity one might feel in a relationship.
His cold attitude makes me feel insecure.
A phrase meaning 'anxious about whether one is loved'. Directly expresses relationship insecurity.
Jealousy. Insecurity in relationships often manifests as jealousy. Use with care as it implies a stronger emotion.
Referring to the precariousness or instability of a situation, such as job security or safety.
Instability, precariousness. Used for situations like job insecurity, economic insecurity, etc. A na-adjective or noun.
This job is insecure; I never know when I might be fired.
Uncertain, unreliable. Emphasizes the lack of certainty in a situation.
Precariousness, riskiness. A more literary or formal term for the insecurity of a situation.
The English word 'insecurity' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as 不安全 (fu-anzen) is incorrect; that word means physical danger or lack of safety, not emotional insecurity.
自信のなさ (lack of confidence) is specific to self-doubt, while 不安 (anxiety) is a broader feeling of unease that can apply to many situations. Use 自信のなさ when the insecurity is about personal abilities or worth, and 不安 when it's a general anxious feeling.
I'm so insecure about whether she loves me.
彼の過去の恋愛に嫉妬してしまう。
I get insecure (jealous) about his past relationships.
将来が不確かで不安だ。
I feel insecure because the future is uncertain.
No one noticed the insecurity (precariousness) of the plan.