Meet 悩 in words for worries and difficult decisions, and connect its reading to a real situation.
The idea
悩 has 10 strokes; use the linked diagram to follow their order. 悩む（なやむ） means to worry or struggle over something; 悩み（なやみ） is a worry. Use に for the source of trouble, as in 仕事に悩む.
Examples
- 将来の仕事に悩んでいます。I am worrying about my future career.
- 友達に悩みを話しました。I talked to a friend about my worries.
- 彼女はプレゼントを選ぶのに悩んでいます。She is struggling to choose a gift.
- 昨日から頭痛に悩まされています。I have been troubled by a headache since yesterday.
- 誰にでも悩みがあります。Everyone has worries.
- いろいろ悩んだ末に、留学を決めました。After much deliberation, I decided to study abroad.
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No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
悩む can describe prolonged distress as well as difficulty choosing. 悩み is a noun, not the verb; 脳 means brain and has a different left component.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 悩む in hiragana.
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なやむ
悩む is なやむ: the verb describes worrying or struggling.
Write the reading of 悩み in hiragana.
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なやみ
悩み is なやみ: this noun means a worry or concern.
Choose the kanji for a worry: ＿み ［悩／脳］.
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悩
悩 completes 悩み. Its left component 忄 helps distinguish it from 脳.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 悩む in hiragana.
Write the reading of 悩み in hiragana.
Choose the kanji for a worry: ＿み ［悩／脳］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 悩 using the diagram. Cover the examples, read 悩む and 悩み, then describe a decision you struggled with.