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
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 悩み and 案じる.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "案じる" represents "to worry, to be anxious about, to be concerned about".