悩ませる

• Reading: なやませる
• Romaji: nayamaseru
• Kanji breakdown: 悩 (nō/naya) — trouble, torment, worry
• Pronunciation: /na.ja.ma.se.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To trouble; to torment; to perplex or vex someone; to cause distress or worry.

A Group 2 (ichidan) causative form of 悩む (to be troubled, to agonise). 悩ませる places the causing agent at the centre: something or someone actively inflicts worry or perplexity on another. It appears in contexts where a difficult problem torments a researcher, a persistent question vexes a philosopher, or a situation leaves someone unable to find peace. Because it is a causative, it requires a clear source of the distress.

Examples

1. この数学の問題は優秀な学者たちを長年悩ませてきた難問だ。 This mathematical problem is a notoriously difficult one that has tormented brilliant scholars for many years.
2. 部下の突然の退職がマネージャーを悩ませ、チーム全体の士気にも影響した。 A subordinate's sudden resignation tormented the manager and affected the morale of the entire team.
3. どちらの選択肢が正しいのか、彼女を何週間も悩ませた末にようやく答えが出た。 After weeks of being tormented by indecision over which option was right, she finally arrived at an answer.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, workplace, psychology, daily life

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Causative form of 悩む, itself from Old Japanese 悩む (nayamu), related to feelings of anguish and inner torment. The 悩 kanji combines 心 (heart) and 囟 (fontanelle, a soft spot), evoking vulnerability and inner pain.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General