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
案じる
あんじる (anjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 心配 and 案じる.
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, 案じる (あんじる (anjiru)) maps to "to worry, to be anxious about, to be concerned about" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in slightly more formal or written contexts than 心配する. 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 "案じる"
彼は子供の将来を深く案じている。
He is deeply concerned about his child's future.
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.". "案じる" represents "to worry, to be anxious about, to be concerned about".