心配

• Reading: しんぱい
• Romaji: shinpai
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (shin) — heart, mind; 配 (pai/hai) — distribute, arrange
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɴ.pa.i/

Meaning

Worry; concern; anxiety. A feeling of unease about something uncertain.

Used as a noun, na-adjective (心配な), or する verb (心配する). One of the most commonly used emotional expressions in Japanese. 心配しないで (don't worry) is a staple reassurance phrase. Can also mean care or concern for someone's wellbeing.

Examples

1. 母はいつも私の健康を心配している。 My mother is always worried about my health.
2. 試験の結果が心配で眠れなかった。 I was so worried about the exam results that I couldn't sleep.
3. 心配しないで、きっと大丈夫だよ。 Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be fine.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, family, health

Tone: concerned

Origin & History

Compound of 心 (shin, heart/mind) and 配 (pai, distribute/arrange). Originally meant to distribute one's mind across concerns — having one's heart occupied by anxious thoughts.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal