悩む

• Reading: なやむ
• Romaji: nayamu
• Kanji breakdown: 悩 (nou/naya) — worry, be troubled
• Pronunciation: /na.ja.mɯ/

Meaning

To worry; to be troubled; to agonize over. Mental distress caused by an unresolved problem.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb conjugated with the む row (悩まない, 悩みます). Expresses deeper worry than 心配する — it implies ongoing mental anguish or being torn about a decision. The noun form 悩み (worry/trouble) is equally common. Often used with に: 将来に悩む (worry about the future), 人間関係に悩む (struggle with relationships).

Examples

1. 進学か就職か、ずっと悩んでいる。 I've been agonizing over whether to go to college or get a job.
2. 人間関係の悩みは誰にでもある。 Everyone has troubles when it comes to relationships.
3. 何をプレゼントにするか悩んだ末に花を選んだ。 After agonizing over what to give as a present, I chose flowers.

Usage Guide

Context: personal life, decisions, relationships

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

The kanji 悩 combines 忄 (heart radical) and an element related to 脳 (brain), literally depicting the heart-mind in turmoil — emotional and mental distress intertwined.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal