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
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 心配する and 気がかり.
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, 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 "心配する"
明日の試験が心配です。
I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.
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: "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.". "気がかり" represents "a worry, a concern, something on one's mind".