Translation guide
Expressing worry in Japanese involves choosing the right word based on the nuance: general anxiety, concern for others, or specific fears. Common verbs include 心配する (shinpai suru) for general worry, 気にする (ki ni suru) for being bothered by something, and 不安だ (fuan da) for a deeper sense of unease.
Expressing that you are worried about a situation, outcome, or person in a general sense.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be worried'. It can be used for worrying about people, things, or situations. Often used with the particle を or が to mark the thing worried about.
彼の健康を心配しています。
I'm worried about his health.
I'm worried about the exam results.
Means 'to mind' or 'to be bothered by'. It implies a more personal, often ongoing concern. Often used in negative requests (don't worry about it).
彼は小さなことを気にする。
He worries about small things.
気にしないでください。
Please don't worry about it.
Expresses a deeper, more emotional sense of anxiety or unease, often about the future. It's a na-adjective, so it can directly describe a state.
将来が不安です。
I'm worried about the future.
彼は不安そうな顔をしている。
He looks worried.
Means 'to be troubled' or 'to worry' over a problem, often implying deep thought or suffering. It's used for personal dilemmas.
人間関係で悩んでいる。
I'm worried about my relationships.
Expressing concern for another person's health, safety, or situation.
Again the default choice. When the object is a person, it clearly means worrying about them.
母はいつも私のことを心配している。
My mother is always worried about me.
Means 'to be concerned about' or 'to keep in mind'. It's a bit softer and more caring than 心配する, often used for ongoing concern.
彼はいつも私の健康を気にかけてくれる。
He always worries about my health.
Expressing that you are currently worried or anxious about something happening now.
The adjective form of 心配する, used to describe the state of being worried. Often used in casual speech.
遅いから、何かあったのかと心配だ。
He's late, so I'm worried something happened.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning to be fretful or anxious, often while waiting for something. It conveys a sense of restless worry.
返事が来なくてやきもきしている。
I'm worried because I haven't received a reply.
Reassuring someone or telling them not to be concerned.
The standard casual way to say 'Don't worry'. Can be made polite by adding ください.
心配しないで、大丈夫だから。
Don't worry, it's okay.
Means 'Don't mind it' or 'Don't let it bother you'. Used when someone is worrying about a minor issue or a mistake.
気にしないで、誰でも間違えるよ。
Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes.
心配する is the most general 'worry'. 気にする implies being bothered or preoccupied by something, often used in negative commands. 不安だ expresses a deeper, more emotional anxiety, often about uncertain futures.
彼は試験の結果を心配している。
He is worried about the exam results (general concern).
彼は人の目を気にする。
He worries about what others think (is bothered by it).
彼は将来に不安を感じている。
He feels anxious about the future (deep unease).
English uses 'be worried' as a state, but Japanese often uses verbs or adjectives. Don't try to directly translate 'be' + 'worried'. Instead, use 心配する (to worry) or 心配だ (is worrying).