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