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
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 悩み and 気がかり.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "気がかり" represents "a worry, a concern, something on one's mind".