Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
心配
しんぱい (shinpai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
なやむ
なやむ (nayamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 心配 and なやむ.
In Japanese, 心配 (しんぱい (shinpai)) is typically associated with "worry, concern" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun.
On the other hand, なやむ (なやむ (nayamu)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "worry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "心配"
試験の結果が心配です。
I'm worried about the test results.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "試験の結果が ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "I'm worried about the test results.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "心配" fits here because it means "worry, concern" in the context of: "I'm worried about the test results.". "なやむ" represents "to worry, to be troubled, to be distressed".