Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気がかり
きがかり (kigakari)
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 気がかり and 思い煩う.
In Japanese, 気がかり (きがかり (kigakari)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "遠く離れて暮らす両親の健康が ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "I am concerned about the health of my parents who live far away.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気がかり" fits here because it means "a worry, a concern, something on one's mind" in the context of: "I am concerned about the health of my parents who live far away.". "思い煩う" represents "to worry excessively; to be distressed by; to be anxious about".