Translation and Meaning of: 悩み - nayami

The Japanese word 悩み (nayami) is a common term in everyday vocabulary, but it carries nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. If you have ever wondered how to use 悩み correctly in sentences or why it appears so often in animes and dramas, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you understand not just the definition but also the context behind the words.

Meaning and translation of 悩み

悩み (nayami) can be translated as "concern," "affliction," or "personal issue." Unlike more generic terms like 問題 (mondai), which refers to objective matters, 悩み is connected to internal conflicts and emotional distress. For example, while 問題 can describe a mistake in a project, 悩み is used to express the anxiety someone feels when making a tough decision.

In English, the closest translation would be "worry" or "trouble," but the Japanese word carries a deeper emotional weight. It frequently appears in conversations about relationships, career, or mental health, reflecting a persistent concern without an immediate solution.

Origin and Cultural Use

The kanji 悩 is composed of the radical 忄 (heart/mind) and 脳 (brain), suggesting a direct connection with thoughts that cause discomfort. This construction is not accidental—it reflects how Japanese culture perceives concerns as something that affects both the mind and the heart. Historically, the term was used in Buddhist texts to describe the suffering caused by worldly desires.

Today, 悩み is a common word, but it still retains its seriousness. In linguistic research, it appears among the 3,000 most used terms in modern Japanese, especially in contexts like advice (相談 / soudan) or venting. In animes like "Natsume Yuujinchou", characters often speak about their 悩み to explore themes of loneliness and identity.

Tips for memorizing and using

An effective way to reinforce 悩み is to associate it with real situations. Think of phrases like 仕事の悩み (shigoto no nayami / work-related worries) or 人間関係の悩み (ningen kankei no nayami / relationship problems). This type of combination is common and helps understand the emotional scope of the word.

Another tip is to observe the verb related to 悩む (nayamu), which means "to worry" or "to suffer from something." By learning both together, you expand your understanding of how to express internal conflicts in Japanese. Avoid confusing it with 苦しむ (kurushimu), which indicates physical or more intense suffering.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 苦悩 (Kunou) - deep mental suffering, anguish.
• 心配 (Shinpai) - worry; anxiety about something.
• 懊悩 (Ounou) - emotional anguish, internal dilemma.
• 困惑 (Konwaku) - confusion or perplexity in a situation.
• 悩殺 (Nousatsu) - emotional abuse, an overwhelming concern.
• 煩悩 (Bonnou) - mundane desires and worries that cause suffering.
• 悩み事 (Nagamigoto) - issues or problems that cause concern.
• 悩み苦しむ (Nagamikurushimu) - suffer due to concerns or problems.
• 悩みを抱える (Nagamihakaeru) - to bear or support worries.

悩み

Romaji: nayami
Kana: なやみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: problem(s); concern; anguish; anguish; agony; problem

Meaning in English: trouble(s);worry;distress;anguish;agony;problem

Definition: Anxiety and annoyance caused by difficulties and sufferings.

Example Sentences - (悩み) nayami

See below some example sentences:

私の悩みは多すぎる。

Watashi no nayami wa ooi sugiru

I have a lot of concerns.

• 私 - Personal pronoun "I" in Japanese
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 悩み - noun that means "worry" or "anguish"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 多すぎる - Adjective that means "too much" or "very" (in the sense of excessive quantity)