Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
悩む
なやむ (nayamu)
N3 / 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 悩む and 気がかり.
In Japanese, 悩む (なやむ (nayamu)) is typically associated with "to worry; to be troubled; to suffer (from); to agonize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being mentally troubled, worried, or suffering because one cannot find a solution to a problem. Often used as 将来に進路に悩む or 騒音に悩む. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To worry! "You are too cute, Haruka-san, I worry about my heart rate breaking limits daily!" ...っ! T-To worry about your heart rate! B-Baka! Don't make such cute, heart-fluttering worries! But... since you are suffering, I suppose I'll heal you with my sweet hug of love in 1 second! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『なやむ（悩む）！『ハルカ部長が毎日可愛すぎて、僕の心拍数が限界突破する緊急トラブルに悩んでいます！』って…っ！心臓の緊急事件！バカ！そんな恥ずかしいこと真顔で言うんじゃないの！…でも、その可愛い悩み、一生私が甘いハグで解決し続けてあげるから、私から離れちゃダメよ！』.
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 "悩む"
彼は将来の進路や就職先について、誰にも相談できずに独りで深く_______、恩師の山田先生にアポを取りました。
Regarding his future career and job opportunities, he worried deeply alone without being able to consult with anyone, and made an appointment with his mentor, Teacher Yamada.
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: "彼は将来の進路や就職先について、誰にも相談できずに独りで深く_______、恩師の山田先生にアポを取りました。" (Meaning: "Regarding his future career and job opportunities, he worried deeply alone without being able to consult with anyone, and made an appointment with his mentor, Teacher Yamada.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "悩む" fits here because it means "to worry; to be troubled; to suffer (from); to agonize" in the context of: "Regarding his future career and job opportunities, he worried deeply alone without being able to consult with anyone, and made an appointment with his mentor, Teacher Yamada.". "気がかり" represents "a worry, a concern, something on one's mind".