Translation guide
Expresses a state of worry, distress, or difficulty. Japanese uses different words depending on whether the trouble is mental worry, a concrete problem, or a nuisance caused by others.
To be worried, anxious, or mentally distressed about something.
The most common word for mental anguish, worry, or being troubled by a problem. Often used for personal dilemmas or emotional distress.
将来について悩んでいる。
I'm troubled about my future.
人間関係で悩むことが多い。
I often get troubled by relationships.
Means 'to worry' or 'be concerned'. Slightly less intense than 悩む, often used for concern about others or future events.
彼の健康を心配している。
I'm troubled about his health.
To worry excessively, to take something to heart. Implies brooding over a problem.
小さな失敗を気に病まないで。
Don't be troubled by small mistakes.
To be troubled by a specific problem, obstacle, or difficult situation.
The most common word for being in a fix, having a problem, or being inconvenienced. Focuses on the practical difficulty rather than emotional distress.
お金がなくて困っている。
I'm troubled because I have no money.
道に迷って困った。
I got lost and was troubled.
To have a hard time, to struggle. Implies sustained effort and hardship.
子育てに苦労している。
I'm troubled by raising children.
To be at a loss how to handle someone or something. Often used for troublesome people or situations.
To be bothered, annoyed, or inconvenienced by what someone else does.
To be troubled by someone's nuisance behavior. Focuses on the inconvenience caused by others.
隣の騒音に迷惑している。
I'm troubled by the neighbor's noise.
To cause trouble to someone. Often used to apologize or warn.
ご迷惑をおかけしてすみません。
I'm sorry for troubling you.
To cause someone to be troubled (transitive). Used when someone's actions make you troubled.
To be afflicted or tormented by something, often ongoing.
To suffer, be in pain, or be tormented. Stronger than 悩む, often for physical pain or deep anguish.
彼は病気で苦しんでいる。
He is troubled by illness.
Passive form of 悩む, meaning to be troubled or plagued by something (often external).
騒音に悩まされている。
I'm troubled by the noise.
悩む is for mental/emotional worry (e.g., about life decisions), while 困る is for practical problems (e.g., lost keys). Use 困る when you need a solution, 悩む when you need peace of mind.
将来に悩む vs お金に困る
Worry about the future vs be in financial trouble
English 'be troubled' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, choose the specific word that matches the type of trouble. Using 困る for emotional worry may sound odd.
I'm troubled by mischievous children.
彼の態度が私を困らせる。
His attitude troubles me.