Translation guide
The English word 'worried' describes a state of anxiety or concern about something. In Japanese, expressing this feeling depends on the nuance: general anxiety, concern for others, or being troubled by a specific problem. The most common and versatile word is 心配 (しんぱい), but other expressions like 不安 (ふあん) or 気になる (きになる) are used for different shades of meaning.
あなたのことが心配です。
I'm worried about you.
Use with caution; 'あなた' can be too direct. Often better to use the person's name.
Expressing that you feel anxious or concerned about something, often about a future event or someone's well-being.
The most common and versatile word for 'worried'. It can be used as a noun or a na-adjective. Often used in the phrase 心配する (to worry).
試験の結果が心配です。
I'm worried about the exam results.
彼はいつもお金のことを心配している。
He is always worried about money.
Refers to a deeper, more persistent feeling of anxiety or unease, often without a specific cause. It is a noun or na-adjective.
将来が不安です。
I'm worried about the future.
彼女は不安そうな顔をしていた。
She had a worried look on her face.
Literally 'to be on one's mind'. It expresses a milder, nagging worry or concern, often about something you can't stop thinking about.
彼の言ったことが気になる。
I'm worried about what he said.
明日の天気が気になります。
I'm worried about tomorrow's weather.
Describes a person who tends to worry a lot; a 'worrier'. It is a noun or na-adjective.
私は心配性だから、すぐに不安になる。
I'm a worrier, so I get anxious easily.
Expressing concern for another person's well-being or safety.
The verb form of 心配. Use it with the person you're worried about as the object marked by を.
母はいつも私を心配している。
My mother is always worried about me.
友達が病気なので心配です。
I'm worried because my friend is sick.
Means to be concerned about someone and keep them in mind. It implies a caring, attentive worry.
Expressing that a particular issue is troubling you or causing distress.
Means to be troubled or worried about a problem, often involving deep thought or suffering. It is a verb.
人間関係で悩んでいる。
I'm worried about my relationships.
彼は将来のことで悩んでいる。
He is worried about his future.
Means to be in trouble or at a loss. It expresses worry about a difficult situation, often with a nuance of not knowing what to do.
Expressing fear or apprehension about a possible negative outcome.
An emphatic expression meaning 'can't help but worry'. It conveys strong, uncontrollable worry.
彼が事故にあったのではないかと心配でならない。
I can't help but worry that he might have had an accident.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to be so worried that you can't settle down; very anxious.
試験の結果が発表されるまで気が気でない。
I'm so worried I can't relax until the exam results are announced.
心配 (しんぱい) is used for specific, concrete worries (e.g., about an exam, someone's health). 不安 (ふあん) is a more general, vague anxiety about the future or an uncertain situation. 心配 is more common in daily conversation.
The English word 'worried' is sometimes borrowed as ワーリー in casual Japanese, but it is very slangy and not widely understood. Stick to the native expressions above.
先生は生徒のことをいつも気にかけている。
The teacher is always worried about the students.
I'm worried because I have no money.