不安です
fuan desu
To say "I am anxious" in Japanese, use 不安です (fuan desu).
不安です is used to express a general sense of unease, apprehension or uncertainty regarding a current situation or a future event.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the phrase is the noun 不安 (fuan), which literally means "not peace" or "not stability." It is composed of 不 (not) and 安 (peace/rest).
Which one should you use?
While 不安です describes an internal state of unease or a lack of stability, the phrase 心配です is used more specifically when you are worried about a particular person, thing or specific outcome.
How does it change in a sentence?
The politeness of the phrase is determined by the copula used at the end. Using the polite です (desu) results in the standard polite form 不安です, which is used when speaking to superiors, strangers or in formal settings. Replacing です with the plain copula だ (da) creates the informal version, 不安だ.
How do you pronounce it?
fuan desu
Did you know?
- The character 安 consists of a 'roof' radical over the character for 'woman'. This reflects an ancient cultural belief that a woman staying under the roof represented a state of peace and stability.
- The word 安 in 不安 is the same character used in the word for 'cheap', linking the concept of 'peace' or 'stability' to the idea of something being 'low cost' or 'easy'.
- In Japanese culture, expressing personal anxiety using 不安です can sometimes be seen as a request for reassurance or a subtle way to ask for help without stating it directly.
Examples in context
- 大事なプレゼンテーションが近づいています。心配しています。The important presentation is approaching. I am worried.
- 来週の試験、ビビってるよ。I am freaking out about next week's exam.
- 一人暮らしは少し不安です。Hitorigurashi wa sukoshi fuan desu.I am a little anxious about living alone.
- 明日の試験の結果が不安です。Ashita no shiken no kekka ga fuan desu.I am anxious about tomorrow's exam results.
- 将来のことを考えると不安です。Shourai no koto o kangaeru to fuan desu.I feel anxious when I think about the future.
Example conversation
Kenta is worried about a job interview tomorrow.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、どうしましたか？Kenta-san, dou shimashita ka?Kenta, what is the matter?
- 健太 Kenta明日の面接が不安です。Ashita no mensetsu ga fuan desu.I am anxious about tomorrow's interview.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫ですよ。準備はできましたか？Daijoubu desu yo. Junbi wa dekimashita ka?It will be okay. Are you prepared?
- 健太 Kentaはい、でもまだ不安です。Hai, demo mada fuan desu.Yes, but I am still anxious.
