Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
悩み
なやみ (nayami)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思い煩う
おもいわずらう (omoiwazurau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 悩み and 思い煩う.
In Japanese, 悩み (なやみ (nayami)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 思い煩う (おもいわずらう (omoiwazurau)) maps to "to worry excessively; to be distressed by; to be anxious about" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies deep and prolonged worry or anxiety, often to the point of being troubled or distressed. It's stronger than simply 'worrying' and suggests a burden on one's mind.. A literal translation of "worry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "思い煩う"
彼は将来のことを思い煩っていた。
He was excessively worried about his future.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は仕事の ＿＿＿ があるようです。" (Meaning: "He seems to have worries about his job.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "悩み" fits here because it means "worry; trouble; concern" in the context of: "He seems to have worries about his job.". "思い煩う" represents "to worry excessively; to be distressed by; to be anxious about".