Translation guide
Expressing worry, care, or interest in something. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you are worried, care about a person/thing, or are interested in a topic.
To express that you are worried, anxious, or uneasy about a situation, event, or person.
The most common way to say you are worried about something. 心配 (shinpai) means worry or concern.
彼の健康を心配しています。
I'm concerned about his health.
I'm concerned about the exam results.
Literally 'keeping on one's mind', this implies a gentle, ongoing concern or care, often for a person.
いつも君のことを気にかけているよ。
I'm always concerned about you.
Expresses a feeling of unease or anxiety. Stronger than 心配 in some contexts.
将来について不安に思っています。
I'm concerned about the future.
To express that you care about someone's well-being or about an issue, not necessarily with anxiety.
Means you value or treasure someone/something. Conveys deep care.
家族をとても大切に思っています。
I'm very concerned about my family (I care deeply about them).
To have someone/something on your mind in a caring way. Can be used for people or issues.
環境問題を気にかけています。
I'm concerned about environmental issues.
To express that a matter is of interest or relevance to you, often used in formal contexts.
Means to have an interest in something. Often used for social issues, hobbies, etc.
政治に関心があります。
I'm concerned about politics (I have an interest in it).
Means to be involved or related to something. Used when you are a stakeholder.
この問題に関係している。
I'm concerned about this issue (I'm involved in it).
To express concern in a polite, formal, or business setting, often about a problem or matter.
A formal term for concern, often used in business or official statements. Implies worry about potential negative outcomes.
安全性について懸念しています。
We are concerned about safety.
Very formal and strong, implying deep worry or apprehension. Often used in news or official reports.
政府は事態を憂慮している。
The government is concerned about the situation.
The English phrase 'be concerned about' covers worry, care, and interest. Japanese uses different words for each nuance. Using 心配 for 'care about' can sound overly anxious, and using 関心 for 'worry' can sound detached. Choose based on the feeling you want to convey.
心配 (shinpai) implies active worry or anxiety, while 気にかける (ki ni kakeru) is a milder, ongoing concern or care. Use 心配 for things that make you nervous, and 気にかける for people or issues you simply keep in mind.