Translation guide
The English word 'worry' covers both a mental state of anxiety and the act of causing concern. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on whether you are feeling worried, worrying about something, or causing someone else to worry.
Expressing that you are currently feeling worried, anxious, or uneasy about something.
The most common and versatile word for 'worry' or 'concern'. Can be used as a noun or a na-adjective.
I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.
Refers to a deeper, more persistent feeling of anxiety or unease, often without a specific cause. More formal than 心配.
A slightly literary or formal term for something that weighs on your mind. Often used in writing.
Expressing that you are actively worrying or thinking about a problem.
The verb form of 心配. Use を to mark the thing you are worrying about.
Expressing that you are making someone else worried or concerned.
The standard phrase for causing worry. Literally 'to hang worry on someone'.
Reassuring someone or telling them not to be concerned.
The most common way to say 'Don't worry'. Casual but polite enough for many situations.
Referring to a specific worry or source of anxiety.
心配 is the general word for worry about a specific thing. 不安 is a deeper, more vague anxiety or unease. 不安 is often used for existential or future-oriented anxiety.
I'm worried about the exam.
I'm worried about his health.
将来が不安です。
I'm anxious about the future.
He has a worried look on his face.
彼の安否が気がかりだ。
I'm worried about his safety.
My mother is always worrying about me.
Don't worry about money.
Literally 'it's on my mind'. Used for things that bother or worry you, often in a nagging way.
I'm worried about what he said.
I can't sleep because I'm worried about the exam results.
To be concerned or bothered about something, often used for minor worries or when telling someone not to mind something.
Don't worry about such a small thing.
He worries too much about what others think.
To be troubled or to agonize over something. Implies deeper, often personal distress.
I'm worried about my future.
I often worry about relationships.
You mustn't make your parents worry.
I'm sorry for causing you worry.
Causative form of 心配する. Used when you make someone worry.
Don't make him worry too much.
Don't worry, it'll be fine.
Means 'Don't mind it' or 'Don't let it bother you'. Used for minor concerns or when someone apologizes.
Don't worry about it, it happens to everyone.
Literally 'It's okay/alright'. Often used to reassure someone that there's no need to worry.
Don't worry, it'll definitely work out.
A worry or concern; something that causes anxiety.
Lately I have so many worries that I can't sleep.
A trouble, worry, or personal problem that causes distress.
I want to talk to someone about my worries.
将来が不安だ。
I feel anxious about the future.
English often uses 'worry' in phrases like 'I'm worried that...' which can be translated directly, but sometimes Japanese uses different constructions. For example, 'I'm worried it might rain' is more naturally expressed as 雨が降らないか心配だ (literally 'I'm worried whether it won't rain').