Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing uneasiness often involves describing a vague sense of worry, discomfort, or anxiety. The most common and versatile word is 不安 (fuan), but other expressions capture nuances like restlessness, foreboding, or physical unease.
Expressing a general feeling of worry, anxiety, or lack of peace of mind.
The most common and direct word for uneasiness, anxiety, or worry. Can be used in many contexts, from mild unease to serious anxiety.
I'm uneasy about the exam results.
He feels uneasy about the future.
Often translated as 'worry', but can also express uneasiness about a specific thing or person. More concrete than 不安.
I'm uneasy about my mother's health.
A lingering worry or concern that stays on your mind. Slightly more formal and less intense than 心配.
I'm uneasy about his safety.
Describing a feeling of being unable to relax, physically or mentally unsettled.
Literally 'not calm', used for a restless, fidgety feeling. Can be due to worry, excitement, or an unfamiliar environment.
I feel somehow uneasy.
I still feel uneasy at the new workplace.
Onomatopoeic word for being restless or fidgety, often from anticipation or mild anxiety. More casual.
Expressing a sense that something bad might happen, without a clear reason.
Common phrase meaning 'I have a bad feeling about this' or 'I sense something bad will happen'.
Feeling uneasy, I went home.
A feeling of uneasiness or foreboding in one's chest; a premonition that something bad will happen. More literary or dramatic.
Feeling uncomfortable or ill at ease in social situations.
不安 (fuan) is a more general, often vague uneasiness or anxiety, while 心配 (shinpai) is worry about a specific thing or person. 不安 can be existential; 心配 is usually concrete.
Avoid directly translating 'uneasy' as 不安定 (fuantei, 'unstable') or 不自然 (fushizen, 'unnatural'). These have different meanings. Use 不安 or other context-appropriate expressions.
面接の前でそわそわしている。
I'm feeling uneasy before the interview.
I felt so uneasy I couldn't sleep.
気まずい沈黙が続いた。
An uneasy silence continued.