Japanese word

心細い

Pronunciation

Romajikokorobosoi

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveuneasy

Example

知らない町に一人でいると心細いです。shi ra na i machi ni hito ri de i ru to kokoro boso i de su

I feel uneasy when I am alone in an unfamiliar town.

Illustration for 心細い (uneasy)

More examples

相談できる人がいないと、心細く感じます。sō dan de ki ru hito ga i na i to kokoro boso ku kan ji ma su

Without anyone to ask for advice, I feel uneasy.

Core concept

Expresses the unease that arises when a person feels emotionally alone and unable to rely on anyone in an unfamiliar or difficult situation.

Common phrases

  • 心細い気持ちkokoro boso i ki mo chi

    an uneasy feeling

  • 心細くなるkokoro boso ku na ru

    become uneasy

Similar words

寂しいsabishii: Expresses sadness that comes from being without company or close emotional ties.

Definition in Japanese

身近に頼れるものがなく、ひとりで対処することに不安を覚えるさま。mi jika ni tayo re ru mo no ga na ku hi to ri de tai sho su ru ko to ni fu an o obo e ru sa ma

Word origin

心細い (kokorobosoi) is formed from 心 (kokoro, "heart" or "mind") and 細い (hosoi, "thin"), with the compound suggesting that one's inner sense of support is thin.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 寂しい (sabishii), which mainly describes sadness from lacking company, 心細い (kokorobosoi) centers on lacking confidence or support, so it can apply even when others are nearby.

Other meanings

  • lonelyi-adjective
  • helplessi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 心細さkokorobososauneasinessnoun
  • 心細がるkokorobosogarufeel uneasyverb

Word lists with this word