Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Concern" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "concern", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
懸念
けねん (kenen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
憂慮
ゆうりょ (yūryo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "concern" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 懸念 and 憂慮.
In Japanese, 懸念 (けねん (kenen)) is typically associated with "concern; anxiety; worry; apprehension; fear of bad outcomes" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to concern, anxiety, worry, or apprehension regarding potential bad outcomes or risks. Often used as 懸念を示す.
On the other hand, 憂慮 (ゆうりょ (yūryo)) maps to "concern, worry, anxiety" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses a strong sense of concern or apprehension, often about a serious or future issue, more formal than 心配. A literal translation of "concern" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "懸念"
原材料価格の高騰による業績の悪化が、今後の大きな_______点となっています。
The worsening of performance due to the skyrocketing raw material prices has become a major point of concern for the future.
Bilingual Context for "憂慮"
環境破壊は、国際社会の大きな憂慮となっている。
Environmental destruction has become a major concern for the international community.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "原材料価格の高騰による業績の悪化が、今後の大きな_______点となっています。" (Meaning: "The worsening of performance due to the skyrocketing raw material prices has become a major point of concern for the future.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "懸念" fits here because it means "concern; anxiety; worry; apprehension; fear of bad outcomes" in the context of: "The worsening of performance due to the skyrocketing raw material prices has become a major point of concern for the future.". "憂慮" represents "concern, worry, anxiety".