Translation guide
The English word 'brooding' can describe a dark, thoughtful mood, the act of worrying excessively, or the literal incubation of eggs. This guide focuses on the emotional and psychological senses most relevant to learners.
To describe a person, atmosphere, or expression that is deeply thoughtful in a dark, intense, or threatening way.
A na-adjective meaning gloomy, melancholy, or somber. Often used for atmospheres, expressions, or personalities.
彼は陰鬱な表情で窓の外を見ていた。
He was staring out the window with a brooding expression.
Literally 'sunk in thought', this phrase emphasizes deep, often melancholic contemplation. Less menacing than 陰鬱な, more pensive.
彼女は物思いに沈んだ様子で海を眺めていた。
She was gazing at the sea with a brooding look.
A more literary term for gloomy and depressed. Stronger than 陰鬱な, often used in written descriptions.
沈鬱な空気が部屋を包んでいた。
A brooding atmosphere filled the room.
To express that someone is constantly thinking about a problem in a worried, unhappy way.
Means to brood or worry excessively about something, often over minor things. Common in everyday speech.
失敗をくよくよ考えても仕方がない。
It's no use brooding over your mistakes.
To worry and agonize over something. Slightly more formal than くよくよ考える, implies deeper distress.
彼は将来のことで思い悩んでいる。
He is brooding about his future.
To refer to a bird sitting on eggs to hatch them.
The technical term for brooding eggs. Used in biology and farming contexts.
めんどりが卵を抱卵している。
The hen is brooding her eggs.
A more everyday expression meaning 'to warm the eggs'. Used when the technical term is not needed.
鳥が巣で卵を温めている。
The bird is brooding on its eggs in the nest.
The English word 'brooding' as an adjective does not have a direct one-word Japanese equivalent. Avoid trying to use 抱卵 (incubation) for emotional contexts.
To be lost in thought, often with a negative connotation. Can be used for brooding when the focus is on deep, troubled thinking.
彼は何か考え込んでいるようだ。
He seems to be brooding about something.