Japanese word

悩む

Pronunciation

Romajinayamu

Meaning

  • verbworry

Example

私はよく悩みます。watashi wa yo ku naya mi ma su

I often worry.

Illustration for 悩む (worry)

More examples

何をプレゼントするか悩みました。nan o pu re ze n to su ru ka naya mi ma shi ta

I worried about what gift to give.

Core concept

Describes a mind remaining occupied by a concern or difficulty, often while trying to find a way forward.

Common phrases

  • 何を買うかで悩むnan o ka u ka de naya mu

    worry about what to buy

  • 答えに悩むkota e ni naya mu

    worry about the answer

  • 一人で悩むhito ri de naya mu

    worry alone

Similar words

心配するshinpaisuru: To be concerned about a person, event, or possible result.
迷うmayou: To have difficulty choosing among options or deciding what action to take.

Definition in Japanese

心配や不安を感じ、どうすればよいか思い苦しむ。shin pai ya fu an o kan ji dō su re ba yo i ka omo i kuru shi mu

Word origin

The Japanese verb 悩む (nayamu) is a native word attested in older Japanese as なやむ (nayamu); the spelling 悩む uses 悩 (nō, "mental distress") to match the verb's meaning.

Usage tips

  • 悩む (nayamu) can describe both worrying about a problem and being unable to decide, so its range is wider than simple fear or anxiety.

Other meanings

  • be troubledverb

Opposites

  • 安心するanshinsurufeel at easeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word