Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
心配する
しんぱいする (shinpai suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
心配
しんぱい (shinpai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 心配する and 心配.
In Japanese, 心配する (しんぱいする (shinpai suru)) is typically associated with "to worry; to be anxious" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This verb expresses the feeling of worry or anxiety. It's often used with particles like 「について」.
On the other hand, 心配 (しんぱい (shinpai)) maps to "worry, concern" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun. A literal translation of "worry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "心配する"
明日の試験が心配です。
I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.
Bilingual Context for "心配"
試験の結果が心配です。
I'm worried about the test results.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日の試験が心配です。" (Meaning: "I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "心配する" fits here because it means "to worry; to be anxious" in the context of: "I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.". "心配" represents "worry, concern".