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
悩み
なやみ (nayami)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 心配する and 悩み.
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, 悩み (なやみ (nayami)) maps to "worry; trouble; concern" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A personal problem or source of anxiety that one struggles with. It's the noun form of 悩む. 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 "悩み"
彼は仕事の悩みがあるようです。
He seems to have worries about his job.
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.". "悩み" represents "worry; trouble; concern".