Translation guide
The English word 'uneasy' describes a feeling of mild anxiety, discomfort, or lack of ease. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different expressions capture specific nuances such as vague worry, physical discomfort, awkwardness, or a sense of foreboding. This guide helps learners choose the most natural expression based on the situation.
Expressing a general sense of unease, nervousness, or mild fear about something uncertain.
The most common and direct translation for 'uneasy' when referring to a feeling of anxiety or worry. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
明日の試験が不安だ。
I feel uneasy about tomorrow's exam.
彼は将来に不安を感じている。
He feels uneasy about the future.
Often translated as 'worried', but can convey unease when the concern is about a specific outcome. Slightly more concrete than 不安.
母の健康が心配で、落ち着かない。
I'm uneasy about my mother's health and can't settle down.
A lingering worry or something on one's mind. Conveys a mild, persistent unease.
彼がまだ帰ってこないのが気がかりだ。
It makes me uneasy that he hasn't come home yet.
Literally 'cannot settle down', used when feeling restless or unable to relax due to unease.
何だか落ち着かない気分だ。
I feel kind of uneasy.
Describing a bodily sensation of unease, such as nausea or a vague sick feeling.
Commonly used for feeling physically unwell, nauseous, or creeped out. Can also describe a disturbing situation.
車に酔って気持ち悪い。
I feel uneasy (nauseous) from car sickness.
Specifically refers to a queasy stomach or feeling of nausea.
食べ過ぎて、胃がむかむかする。
I ate too much and my stomach feels uneasy.
Describing a social situation that feels strained, tense, or not relaxed.
Describes an awkward, uncomfortable atmosphere between people, often after a disagreement or embarrassing moment.
喧嘩の後、気まずい雰囲気になった。
After the fight, the atmosphere became uneasy.
Literally 'the feeling of being in a place is bad', meaning one feels uncomfortable or out of place.
知らない人ばかりで居心地が悪かった。
I felt uneasy because everyone was a stranger.
A feeling that something bad might happen, often without clear reason.
A common phrase meaning 'to have a bad feeling/premonition'. Used when you sense something is off.
嫌な予感がして、家に引き返した。
I had an uneasy feeling and turned back home.
A literary or dramatic term for a feeling of alarm or unease in one's chest; a premonition of danger.
胸騒ぎがして眠れなかった。
I felt so uneasy I couldn't sleep.
Unable to stay still or relax due to nervous energy.
An onomatopoeic word describing a restless, fidgety state, often from excitement or nervousness.
面接の前でそわそわしている。
I'm feeling uneasy (fidgety) before the interview.
Describes a lack of composure; someone who can't sit still. Often used for children or nervous adults.
彼は何か隠しているようで、落ち着きがない。
He seems to be hiding something and looks uneasy.
不安 (fuan) is a general, often vague anxiety. 心配 (shinpai) is worry about a specific thing or person. 気がかり (kigakari) is a lingering concern that stays on your mind. Use 不安 for abstract unease, 心配 for concrete worries, and 気がかり for something that bothers you over time.
将来が不安だ。
I'm uneasy about the future. (vague)
試験の結果が心配だ。
I'm worried about the exam results. (specific)
彼の無事が気がかりだ。
I'm uneasy about his safety. (lingering concern)
Avoid directly translating 'uneasy' as 不安 in all cases. For physical discomfort, use 気持ち悪い or むかむかする. For awkward social situations, use 気まずい or 居心地が悪い. Using 不安 in these contexts may sound unnatural or overly dramatic.