Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
案じる
あんじる (anjiru)
N2 / 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 案じる and 思い煩う.
In Japanese, 案じる (あんじる (anjiru)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "彼は子供の将来を深く案じている。" (Meaning: "He is deeply concerned about his child's future.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "案じる" fits here because it means "to worry, to be anxious about, to be concerned about" in the context of: "He is deeply concerned about his child's future.". "思い煩う" represents "to worry excessively; to be distressed by; to be anxious about".