Translation guide
The English word "fretting" refers to the act of worrying, being anxious, or showing irritation. This guide covers how to express these nuances naturally in Japanese, from general worry to visible agitation.
To express that someone is mentally troubled, anxious, or constantly thinking about a problem.
The most common and general verb for 'to worry'. It can be used for both mild and serious concerns.
彼は試験の結果を心配している。
He is fretting about the exam results.
Don't fret so much.
Literally 'to mind' or 'to be concerned about'. Often used for smaller worries or when telling someone not to fret.
彼は小さなミスを気にしている。
He is fretting over a small mistake.
気にしないで。
Don't fret about it.
Implies deeper, ongoing worry or anguish. Often used for personal problems or dilemmas.
彼女は将来について悩んでいる。
She is fretting about her future.
To fret or brood over something, often in a way that is seen as unproductive. Frequently used in negative commands.
くよくよするな。
Stop fretting.
彼は過去の失敗をくよくよしている。
He is fretting over past failures.
To worry deeply and at length; more intense and literary than 悩む.
彼はその問題で思い悩んでいる。
He is fretting greatly over that problem.
To express that someone is visibly restless, fidgety, or annoyed, often accompanied by physical signs.
Describes a state of irritation or impatience, often with visible signs like fidgeting. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼は遅刻にイライラしている。
He is fretting about the delay.
イライラしないで。
Don't get all fretful.
A slightly more formal or written word for being irritated or fretful. Often used to describe a person's mood.
彼は待たされて苛立っている。
He is fretting because he's been kept waiting.
To feel rushed or panicky, often leading to fretful behavior. Implies a sense of urgency.
To be restless or fidgety, unable to stay still due to worry or excitement. Mimics the physical aspect of fretting.
彼は面接の前でそわそわしている。
He is fretting and fidgeting before the interview.
To express the idea of gradual damage or erosion, either physical or emotional.
Literally 'to wear down' or 'abrade'. Can be used figuratively for mental or emotional wearing away.
心配事が彼の神経をすり減らした。
Worries fretted away his nerves.
Technical term for corrosion or chemical fretting. Not used for emotional states.
金属が酸で腐食した。
The metal was fretted by acid.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all nuances of 'fretting'. Choose based on whether you mean worry (心配する, 悩む) or irritation (イライラする). Using the wrong one can change the meaning significantly.
心配する is general worry; 悩む implies deeper, ongoing distress; 気にする is often used for minor concerns or when telling someone not to mind something. For visible agitation, use イライラする or 苛立つ.
I'm fretting because there's no time.