Japanese word

懸念

Pronunciation

Romajikenen

Meaning

  • nounconcern

Example

その計画には懸念があります。so no kei kaku ni wa ke nen ga a ri ma su

There are concerns about that plan.

Illustration for 懸念 (concern)

More examples

結果について懸念を口にする人もいます。kek ka ni tsu i te ke nen o kuchi ni su ru hito mo i ma su

Some people also voice concerns about the outcome.

Core concept

Marks a possible problem as something that weighs on the mind before it happens.

Common phrases

  • 懸念があるke nen ga a ru

    have concerns

  • 懸念を抱くke nen o ida ku

    have concerns

  • 懸念を示すke nen o shime su

    express concern

Similar words

心配shinpai: Worry about a person, situation, or possible problem.
危惧kigu: Fear that an undesirable result may occur.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄が問題となる可能性を心配する気持ち。a ru koto gara ga mon dai to na ru ka nō sei o shin pai su ru ki mo chi

Word origin

The word 懸念 (kenen) combines 懸 (ken, "hang") and 念 (nen, "thought"), expressing a thought that hangs over the mind as a concern.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 懸念 (kenen) often describes a possible problem in public or business discussions, so it can sound more measured than a personal fear.

Other meanings

  • worrynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 懸念するkenensurube concernedverb

Word lists with this word