Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
なやむ
なやむ (nayamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
気がかり
きがかり (kigakari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なやむ and 気がかり.
In Japanese, なやむ (なやむ (nayamu)) is typically associated with "to worry, to be troubled, to be distressed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Describes experiencing mental distress, anxiety, or difficulty in making a decision. Often followed by 〜に悩む.
On the other hand, 気がかり (きがかり (kigakari)) maps to "a worry, a concern, something on one's mind" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a state of being worried or concerned about something, often continuously occupying one's thoughts. 「〜が気がかりだ」のように使われる。何かについて心配で、心から離れない状態。. A literal translation of "worry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "なやむ"
彼は仕事のことで深く悩んでいる。
He is deeply troubled by his work.
Bilingual Context for "気がかり"
遠く離れて暮らす両親の健康が気がかりだ。
I am concerned about the health of my parents who live far away.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は仕事のことで深く悩んでいる。" (Meaning: "He is deeply troubled by his work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なやむ" fits here because it means "to worry, to be troubled, to be distressed" in the context of: "He is deeply troubled by his work.". "気がかり" represents "a worry, a concern, something on one's mind".