Translation guide
The English word "anxious" covers a range of feelings from worry and nervousness to eagerness. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the nuance. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each situation.
Expressing a general feeling of worry, unease, or concern about a future event or outcome.
The most common and direct translation for 'anxious' in the sense of worry or unease. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
試験の結果が不安です。
I'm anxious about the exam results.
彼は将来に不安を感じている。
He feels anxious about the future.
Means 'worried' or 'concerned'. Slightly more casual than 不安, and often used for specific concerns.
母の健康が心配です。
I'm anxious about my mother's health.
Expresses a lingering worry or something on one's mind. Slightly more formal or written.
彼の安否が気がかりだ。
I'm anxious about his safety.
Describes a state of fretting or being impatiently anxious, often while waiting for something.
返事が来なくてやきもきしている。
I'm anxiously waiting for a reply.
Expressing nervousness or butterflies before a performance, interview, or important event.
The standard word for 'nervous' or 'tense'. Used for stage fright, exam nerves, etc.
面接の前はいつも緊張します。
I always get anxious before interviews.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart due to nervousness or excitement. Casual.
初めてのデートでドキドキした。
I was anxious/nervous on my first date.
Describes being restless or fidgety due to nervousness. Often used when waiting.
発表の順番を待っている間、そわそわしていた。
I was anxious and fidgety while waiting for my turn to present.
Expressing a positive, eager desire to do something, often with a sense of impatience.
Pattern meaning 'can't wait to do something'. Attach to the stem of a verb (masu-form minus ます).
早く結果を知りたくてたまらない。
I'm anxious to know the results.
Literally 'filled with the feeling of wanting to do'. More emphatic and slightly formal.
新しいプロジェクトを始めたい気持ちでいっぱいです。
I'm anxious to start the new project.
Means 'can't wait'. Often used for positive anticipation.
Expressing anxiety specifically related to social situations or interacting with others.
Clinical term for social anxiety disorder. Not for casual use.
彼は対人恐怖症と診断された。
He was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
Plain expression meaning 'scared of meeting people'. Used in everyday conversation.
最近、人と会うのが怖くて外に出られない。
Lately I've been so anxious about meeting people that I can't go out.
不安 (fuan) is a general feeling of unease or anxiety, often about something vague or in the future. 心配 (shinpai) is more specific worry or concern, often about a person or concrete situation. 心配 can also be used as a verb (心配する).
English 'anxious' does not mean 'angry'. Do not use 怒っている (okotteiru) or similar words. If you mean 'eager', use the patterns under the 'eager' meaning.
I'm so anxious for summer vacation!