At the A1 level, you can think of 'ki ni kakaru' as a way to say 'I am thinking about something and it makes me a little sad or worried.' Even though this is a B1 word, you can understand it by looking at the parts. 'Ki' is your heart or mind. 'Kakaru' is like a hook. So, a thought is 'hooked' in your heart. You use it when you can't stop thinking about something, like 'Where is my cat?' or 'Did I finish my homework?' It is usually for small things that stay in your mind. Remember to use the particle 'ga' for the thing you are thinking about. For example: 'Neko ga ki ni kakaru' (I am worried about my cat). It is a very polite way to show you care about something.
At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing 'ki ni kakaru' from 'shinpai' (worry). 'Shinpai' is a big feeling. 'Ki ni kakaru' is a smaller, nagging feeling. Imagine you are at work and you suddenly wonder if you turned off the heater at home. That feeling is 'ki ni kakaru.' It is an intransitive verb phrase, which means the thing you are worried about is the subject. You use 'ga' to mark it. You will often hear it in the 'te-iru' form: 'ki ni kakatte iru.' This means the feeling is continuing right now. It's a useful phrase for describing why you look a bit distracted or why you are checking your phone frequently. It shows you are an observant person.
As a B1 learner, you should use 'ki ni kakaru' to express subtle concerns and psychological states. This phrase captures the nuance of something 'weighing on one's mind.' It is different from 'ki ni naru' because 'ki ni naru' can be positive (being interested in someone), while 'ki ni kakaru' is almost always about a concern or an uneasy feeling. Use it when a specific detail feels 'off.' For example, if a friend usually replies to texts instantly but has been silent for a day, that is 'ki ni kakaru.' It is also important to use it correctly in relative clauses, such as 'ki ni kakaru koto' (the thing that is bothering me). This level of expression helps you sound more like a native speaker who can describe internal moods accurately.
At the B2 level, 'ki ni kakaru' becomes a tool for nuanced communication in professional and social settings. You should recognize its use in describing premonitions or subtle discrepancies in data or behavior. It implies a persistent mental occupation that interferes with focus. You can contrast it with 'kenen suru' (to be concerned) which is more formal and objective. 'Ki ni kakaru' remains subjective and personal. You should also be comfortable using the noun form 'kigakari' and understand how it functions in sentences like 'Kigakari na ten ga ikutsu ka arimasu' (There are several points of concern). Mastering this word allows you to discuss anxieties without sounding overly emotional or dramatic, maintaining a professional yet honest tone.
For C1 learners, 'ki ni kakaru' should be understood within the broader context of Japanese 'ki' idioms. It represents a state where the 'ki' (vital energy/attention) is snagged or suspended by an external stimulus. You should be able to use it to discuss literary themes or complex psychological states in characters. It can describe a moral lingering or an unresolved ethical question. At this level, you should also distinguish it from 'hikkakaru,' which suggests being 'stuck' due to suspicion or a sense of being cheated, whereas 'ki ni kakaru' is more about general concern or care. You can use it to describe the subtle atmospheric tension in a room or the lingering impact of a poignant conversation that refuses to be forgotten.
At the C2 level, you possess a deep intuitive grasp of 'ki ni kakaru' as a reflection of the Japanese emphasis on sensitivity and 'reading the air.' You understand that expressing something as 'ki ni kakaru' can be a sophisticated way of signaling a problem without assigning direct blame, thus preserving 'wa' (harmony). You can analyze its use in classical and modern literature where it denotes a deep-seated preoccupation that defines a character's motivation. You are also aware of its prosodic features—how the intonation can change the weight of the concern. You can use it fluently in high-level negotiations to gently point out risks or in academic discussions to highlight unresolved variables in a theory, showing a mastery of both the linguistic and cultural depth of the phrase.

気にかかる في 30 ثانية

  • A verb phrase meaning 'to weigh on one's mind' or 'to be concerned about' something specific.
  • Used for persistent, nagging worries rather than sudden panic or major crises.
  • Grammatically intransitive: [Something] が 気にかかる (The thing is the subject).
  • Implies a passive state where a thought 'hangs' or 'hooks' onto your spirit (ki).

The Japanese expression 気にかかる (ki ni kakaru) is a quintessential phrase used to describe a specific psychological state where something is lingering in the back of your mind, causing a persistent sense of unease, concern, or mild anxiety. It is composed of the noun ki (気), which refers to one's spirit, mind, or energy, and the verb kakaru (かかる), which in this context means 'to hang' or 'to be caught on.' Literally, it suggests that something has 'hooked' onto your spirit and won't let go, preventing you from being fully at peace. This verb is particularly useful for describing those small but nagging worries that you cannot easily dismiss, such as wondering if you locked the front door or worrying about a friend's health after they seemed tired during lunch.

Core Nuance
A passive state of concern where an external factor weights on your internal peace.

昨日、母の様子が少し変だったのが、ずっと気にかかっている
(Yesterday my mother seemed a bit strange, and it has been weighing on my mind ever since.)

In daily Japanese life, this phrase is often used when you are not necessarily 'worried' in the sense of a major crisis (which would use shinpai suru), but rather when something is 'bothering' you or 'occupying' your thoughts. It is common in both casual and professional settings. For instance, a manager might use it to describe a project detail that doesn't feel quite right, or a student might use it regarding a question they couldn't answer on an exam. It implies a level of sensitivity to one's surroundings and feelings, which is a highly valued trait in Japanese social dynamics.

Grammatical Structure
[Noun] + が + 気にかかる. The thing causing the concern is marked by the subject particle 'ga'.

戸締まりが気にかかって、仕事に集中できない。
(I'm concerned about whether I locked the doors, so I can't concentrate on work.)

The duration of 'ki ni kakaru' is typically longer than a passing thought. It describes a state of mind that persists over minutes, hours, or even days. Because it uses the verb 'kakaru' (to hang), it evokes the image of a piece of clothing caught on a nail; you are trying to move forward, but this thought is holding you back. This makes it a very vivid and descriptive way to express internal tension to others. It is also considered more polite and reflective than saying 'I am worried' directly, as it focuses on the state of the mind rather than the intensity of the emotion.

さっきの彼の言葉が、どうも気にかかる
(His words from a moment ago are somehow weighing on my mind.)

Using 気にかかる correctly requires understanding its role as an intransitive verb phrase. Since it describes a state that occurs to the subject, you do not 'do' ki ni kakaru; rather, something 'is' ki ni kakaru to you. The most basic pattern is [Something] が 気にかかる. This 'something' can be a person, an object, an event, or even a specific phrase someone said. When you want to express that the feeling is ongoing, you should use the te-iru form: 気にかかっている.

Common Subjects
Health (健康), results (結果), words (言葉), safety (安全), or small mistakes (小さなミス).

明日の天気が気にかかる
(I'm concerned about tomorrow's weather.)

In formal writing or polite speech, you might see the noun form ki-gakari (気がかり). While the verb phrase is more common in spoken language, the noun form is used to describe the situation as a 'source of concern.' For example, 'The deadline is my biggest concern' would be Shimekiri ga ichiban no kigakari da. However, for most learners, mastering the verb form ki ni kakaru is more versatile. It is important to note that you can modify the level of concern with adverbs like zukka (steadily/completely - though rare here), zuu-tto (all along), or chotto (a little).

彼は何か気にかかっているようだ。
(He seems to have something weighing on his mind.)

Another nuance to consider is the difference between ki ni kakaru and ki ni suru. While ki ni kakaru is passive (something bothers you), ki ni suru is active (you worry about something/you pay attention to something). If someone tells you 'Don't worry about it,' they will say Ki ni shinaide kudasai, not Ki ni kakara-naide. This distinction is crucial for natural-sounding Japanese. Use ki ni kakaru when you are describing the feeling of the thought 'catching' you spontaneously.

メールの返信がまだ来ないのが気にかかる
(It bothers me that the reply to my email hasn't come yet.)

You will encounter 気にかかる in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from intimate conversations to professional feedback. In family life, it is frequently used by parents expressing subtle concern for their children's well-being or behavior. For example, a mother might tell her husband that the child's lack of appetite is ki ni kakaru. It conveys a soft, nurturing type of worry that isn't quite an alarm but warrants attention. In literature and drama (especially anime or J-dramas), this phrase is a staple for character development, often used when a protagonist feels a premonition or senses that something is 'off' in their environment.

In the Workplace
Used when reviewing reports or projects where a specific data point or trend seems suspicious or worth re-checking.

この数字の動きが少し気にかかりますね。
(This movement in the numbers is a bit concerning, isn't it?)

In a medical context, doctors might use this term to describe minor symptoms that, while not immediately dangerous, should be monitored. Patients also use it to describe vague discomforts: 'That pain I had this morning is still ki ni kakaru.' It bridges the gap between 'I am fine' and 'I am sick,' allowing for the expression of subtle physical or mental states. Furthermore, in the context of Japanese 'High-Context' culture, being someone who notices what is ki ni kakaru is often seen as a sign of being perceptive (ki ga kiku) and attentive to details.

忘れ物がないか、ずっと気にかかっていた
(I was concerned the whole time about whether I had forgotten something.)

In social media or texting, you might see it used when someone hasn't posted in a while or when a news story leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. It is a very safe, non-confrontational way to express that you care about something. It doesn't demand an immediate solution, but it acknowledges that the 'spirit' (ki) is not yet at rest regarding the subject. This makes it an incredibly useful tool for maintaining social harmony (wa) while still being honest about one's feelings.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning 気にかかる is confusing it with the active verb phrase 気にする (ki ni suru). While both involve the 'mind' (ki), the grammar and agency are completely different. Ki ni suru is something you *do* (active), whereas ki ni kakaru is something that *happens* to you (passive/intransitive). If you say 'I am worrying about the exam' using ki ni suru, you are focusing on your action of worrying. If you use ki ni kakaru, you are focusing on how the exam is weighing on your mind.

Mistake 1: Particle Choice
Using 'wo' instead of 'ga'. Incorrect: 試験を気にかかる. Correct: 試験が気にかかる.

✖ 私は彼を気にかかる。
〇 私は彼のことが気にかかる
(Note: Using 'ga' marks the source of the concern.)

Another common mistake is using ki ni kakaru for positive interest. In English, we might say 'That new restaurant is on my mind' to mean we are excited to try it. In Japanese, ki ni kakaru is strictly for concerns, worries, or things that feel 'wrong.' If you are interested in something in a positive or neutral way, use 気になる (ki ni naru). For example, 'I'm curious about that girl' is Kanojo ga ki ni naru, not ki ni kakaru. Using the latter would imply you think something is wrong with her or you are worried about her safety.

Furthermore, learners often forget that ki ni kakaru is a verb phrase, not an adjective. You cannot say ki ni kakaru na koto (a concerning thing). Instead, you would use it as a relative clause: ki ni kakaru koto (the thing that is weighing on my mind) or use the noun form kigakari-na koto. Understanding this grammatical distinction will prevent awkward phrasing in written Japanese.

✖ 気にかかるなニュース
気にかかるニュース
(The news that weighs on my mind.)

Japanese has many expressions involving ki (mind/spirit), and choosing the right one is key to sounding natural. 気にかかる sits in a specific niche between curiosity and deep anxiety. Let's compare it with its closest relatives to see the subtle differences in meaning and usage.

気にかかる vs. 気になる (Ki ni naru)
'Ki ni naru' is the most general term. It can mean 'to be curious about,' 'to be attracted to,' or 'to be slightly worried.' 'Ki ni kakaru' is more specific—it is always about a lingering concern or unease. If you are curious about a movie, use 'ki ni naru.' If the movie's ending left you feeling uneasy, use 'ki ni kakaru'.
気にかかる vs. 心配する (Shinpai suru)
'Shinpai suru' is 'to worry.' It is an active verb and usually implies a stronger, more direct emotion. 'Ki ni kakaru' is more passive and describes a nagging feeling in the background. You 'shinpai suru' about a surgery; you 'ki ni kakaru' about a small cough.

懸念する (Kenen suru): This is a formal, academic, or journalistic way to say 'to be concerned.' You will see this in newspapers or business reports regarding economic risks or political issues.

Another interesting alternative is mune ga tsukaeru (to have a lump in one's chest), which is more physical and emotional, often used for grief or repressed feelings. In contrast, ki ni kakaru is more mental. There is also fuan ni omou (to feel anxious), which is more direct about the feeling of anxiety itself. Using ki ni kakaru is often preferred when you want to be slightly indirect or when the cause of the unease is a specific detail rather than a general feeling of dread.

引っかかる (Hikkakaru): Similar to 'kakaru,' this means 'to get stuck.' It is often used when something someone said feels wrong or suspicious. 'Sono iikata ga hikkakaru' (That way of saying it rubs me the wrong way/sticks in my mind).

دليل النطق

UK ki ni kakaɾɯ
US ki ni kɑkɑru
The pitch accent is generally on 'ka' in 'kakaru' (Atamadaka or Nakadaka depending on the dialect).
يتقافى مع
Wakaru (to understand) Tasukaru (to be helped) Tukaru (to be soaked) Hikaru (to shine) Ukaru (to pass an exam) Saka-ru (to bloom/flourish) Mika-ru (rare) Naka-ru (rare)
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing 'ki' as 'kee' (too long).
  • Pronouncing 'r' in 'kakaru' like an English 'r' instead of a Japanese flap.
  • Putting the stress on 'ni'.
  • Merging 'ni' and 'ka' too quickly.
  • Failing to devoice the 'u' at the end of 'kakaru' in fast speech.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

ねこが気にかかります。

I am concerned about the cat.

Uses 'ga' to mark the cat as the source of concern.

2

しゅくだいが気にかかります。

I am concerned about my homework.

A1 level usage for everyday worries.

3

お母さんが気にかかります。

I am concerned about my mother.

Expressing care for a family member.

4

かぎが気にかかります。

I am concerned about the key.

Simple concern about an object.

5

あしたの天気が気にかかります。

I am concerned about tomorrow's weather.

Common daily topic.

6

テストが気にかかります。

I am concerned about the test.

Basic student concern.

7

ともだちが気にかかります。

I am concerned about my friend.

Showing social awareness.

8

わすれものが気にかかります。

I am concerned about forgotten items.

Common worry when leaving home.

1

昨日のテストの結果が気にかかっています。

I've been concerned about yesterday's test results.

Uses 'te-iru' form for ongoing state.

2

窓を閉めたかどうかが気にかかる。

I'm concerned about whether I closed the window.

Uses 'ka dou ka' (whether or not).

3

彼の体調が少し気にかかります。

I'm a little concerned about his physical condition.

Adding 'sukoshi' (a little) to soften the concern.

4

メールの返事が来ないのが気にかかる。

It's weighing on my mind that the email reply hasn't come.

Uses 'no' to nominalize the clause.

5

忘れ物がないかずっと気にかかっていた。

I was concerned the whole time about whether I forgot anything.

Past continuous state.

6

あの人の言葉がずっと気にかかっている。

That person's words have been weighing on my mind for a long time.

Focusing on the persistence of the thought.

7

犬の鳴き声が気にかかって眠れない。

The dog's barking is weighing on my mind, so I can't sleep.

Cause and effect using 'te' form.

8

明日のプレゼンが気にかかる。

I'm concerned about tomorrow's presentation.

Concern about a future event.

1

さっきの彼の言い方が、どうも気にかかる。

The way he said that just now is somehow weighing on my mind.

Uses 'doumo' to express a vague, nagging feeling.

2

親の健康のことが、いつもどこか気にかかっている。

My parents' health is always weighing on my mind somewhere.

Expresses a constant, background worry.

3

この計画には、いくつか気にかかる点がある。

There are several points in this plan that I'm concerned about.

Relative clause usage: 'ki ni kakaru ten'.

4

留守中のペットの様子が気にかかって仕方がない。

I can't help but be concerned about my pet while I'm away.

Uses 'shikata ga nai' to show strong, uncontrollable feeling.

5

自分の将来が気にかかるのは当然のことだ。

It is natural to be concerned about one's own future.

Nominalized phrase as the subject of the sentence.

6

小さなミスだが、どうしても気にかかる。

It's a small mistake, but it just weighs on my mind.

Uses 'dou-shitemo' for persistence.

7

彼女が最近元気がないのが、ずっと気にかかっている。

It has been weighing on my mind that she hasn't been herself lately.

Refers to a change in someone's state.

8

あの事件のその後が気にかかる。

I'm concerned about the aftermath of that incident.

Concern about the development of a situation.

1

契約書の細かな表現が、どうしても気にかかる。

The subtle phrasing in the contract is really weighing on my mind.

Professional context focusing on precision.

2

子供たちの将来を思うと、教育格差が気にかかる。

When I think of the children's future, the education gap weighs on my mind.

Abstract social concern.

3

プロジェクトの進捗に遅れが出ているのが気にかかる。

The delay in the project's progress is weighing on my mind.

Business context for reporting concerns.

4

彼の不自然な笑顔が、何日も気にかかっている。

His unnatural smile has been weighing on my mind for days.

Focuses on psychological intuition.

5

環境破壊のニュースを聞くたびに、地球の未来が気にかかる。

Every time I hear news of environmental destruction, I worry about the Earth's future.

Repeated concern triggered by events.

6

誰かに見られているような気がして、ずっと気にかかっていた。

I felt like someone was watching me, and it was weighing on my mind the whole time.

Concern based on a subjective feeling (ki ga shite).

7

この薬の副作用がどの程度なのか、非常に気にかかる。

I am very concerned about the extent of the side effects of this medicine.

Uses 'hijou ni' (extremely) for emphasis.

8

嘘をついてしまったことが、ずっと心のどこかで気にかかっている。

The fact that I lied has been weighing on my mind somewhere in my heart all along.

Moral/internal concern.

1

その論文の論理的整合性が、専門家として気にかかる。

As an expert, the logical consistency of that paper weighs on my mind.

High-level academic scrutiny.

2

政情不安が続く中、現地の知人の安否が気にかかってならない。

Amidst the ongoing political instability, I cannot help but be deeply concerned for the safety of my local acquaintances.

Uses '~te naranai' for uncontrollable emotion.

3

伝統文化の衰退が、次世代への継承という点で気にかかる。

The decline of traditional culture is concerning in terms of passing it on to the next generation.

Formal sociological observation.

4

彼の発言の裏にある意図が、どうしても気にかかってしまう。

I can't help but be concerned about the intention behind his remarks.

Focuses on hidden meanings and subtext.

5

些細な違和感ではあるが、それがかえって気にかかるのだ。

It's a trivial sense of incongruity, but that actually makes it weigh on my mind all the more.

Uses 'kaette' to show a paradoxical reaction.

6

AIの急速な進化が倫理的な観点から気にかかる。

The rapid evolution of AI is concerning from an ethical perspective.

Abstract philosophical concern.

7

市場の動向が不透明なことが、投資家として常に気にかかっている。

The opacity of market trends is a constant concern for me as an investor.

Professional risk assessment.

8

恩師に不義理をしてしまったことが、今でも気にかかっている。

The fact that I was ungrateful to my mentor still weighs on my mind even now.

Long-term emotional regret.

1

作品の根底に流れる虚無感が、読後も長く気にかかる。

The sense of nihilism flowing at the base of the work weighs on the mind long after reading.

Literary analysis of 'after-feeling' (dokugo).

2

統計データの微細な誤差が、モデル全体の信頼性を損なわないか気にかかる。

I am concerned whether the minute errors in the statistical data might compromise the reliability of the entire model.

Scientific precision and systemic risk.

3

外交交渉における沈黙の意味が、戦略的観点から気にかかる。

The meaning of the silence in the diplomatic negotiations is concerning from a strategic standpoint.

Nuanced interpretation of non-verbal cues.

4

老舗の暖簾を守ることの重圧が、彼の表情の端々に気にかかる。

The pressure of protecting the reputation of the long-established shop is noticeably weighing on him in every corner of his expression.

Observing subtle physical manifestations of internal pressure.

5

言語の壁がもたらす微妙なニュアンスの乖離が、翻訳者として常に気にかかる。

As a translator, the subtle divergence of nuances caused by language barriers is a constant concern.

Professional meta-linguistic concern.

6

都市開発によって失われる情緒が、住民の心の安寧という面で気にかかる。

The loss of atmosphere due to urban development is concerning in terms of the residents' peace of mind.

Societal/psychological impact analysis.

7

過去の栄光に固執する組織の体質が、将来の存続を危うくしないか気にかかる。

I am concerned whether the organizational nature of clinging to past glory might jeopardize its future survival.

Corporate culture critique.

8

人類の知的好奇心が生む技術が、制御不能な領域に達しないか気にかかる。

I am concerned whether technology born from human intellectual curiosity might reach an uncontrollable realm.

Existential/philosophical concern.

تلازمات شائعة

ずっと気にかかる
どうしても気にかかる
どこか気にかかる
非常に気にかかる
些細なことが気にかかる
健康が気にかかる
将来が気にかかる
結果が気にかかる
表情が気にかかる
言い方が気にかかる

العبارات الشائعة

気にかかることがある

— To have something on one's mind. Used to introduce a topic of concern.

ちょっと気にかかることがあるんですが、いいですか?

何となく気にかかる

— To be concerned for no particular reason. A vague feeling of unease.

何となく今日の空模様が気にかかる。

後で気にかかる

— To worry about something later. Regret or delayed concern.

あの時言わなかったことが、後で気にかかってきた。

一向に気にかからない

— To not be concerned at all. Usually used in the negative to show indifference.

世間の評判など、彼は一向に気にかからないようだ。

胸に気にかかる

— To weigh on one's heart. A slightly more emotional variation.

別れ際の彼女の涙が、ずっと胸に気にかかっている。

気にかけない

— To not pay attention to; to ignore. The negative form used as an active choice.

小さなミスは気にかけないようにしている。

気にかける

— To care about; to look after. The transitive version (active).

後輩のことをいつも気にかけている。

気にかかって仕方がない

— Can't help but be concerned. Expresses a high level of preoccupation.

明日の試合のことが気にかかって仕方がない。

ふと気にかかる

— To suddenly cross one's mind as a concern.

ふと、家の鍵を閉めたかどうかが気にかかった。

どこまでも気にかかる

— To be concerned to no end. Endless worrying.

彼の嘘がどこまでも気にかかる。

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"気に病む"

— To worry oneself sick. A stronger version of being concerned.

些細な失敗をいつまでも気に病むのは良くない。

Neutral
"心に掛ける"

— To keep in mind; to be thoughtful of someone.

いつも私のことを心に掛けてくださり、ありがとうございます。

Polite
"目にかける"

— To look after someone; to favor someone (usually a superior to a subordinate).

部長は彼を特別に目にかけている。

Formal
"鼻にかける"

— To boast about something. (Unrelated to concern, but uses 'ki' structures).

彼は自分の才能を鼻にかけている。

Informal
"気に障る"

— To hurt someone's feelings; to offend someone.

私の言葉が気に障ったのなら、謝ります。

Neutral
"気を持たせる"

— To give someone hope; to lead someone on.

そんなに気を持たせるようなことは言わないで。

Informal
"気に入る"

— To like something; to find something to one's taste.

このデザインがとても気に入りました。

Neutral
"気になる"

— To be on one's mind; to be curious.

隣の部屋の音が気になる。

Neutral
"気にする"

— To mind; to worry about.

周りの目を気にしすぎるのは疲れる。

Neutral
"気が気でない"

— To be in a fidget; to be extremely anxious.

結果が心配で、気が気でない。

Neutral

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

気がかり (Kigakari) - Concern/Worry

الأفعال

気にかける (Ki ni kakeru) - To care about (Transitive)
掛かる (Kakaru) - To hang/be caught

الصفات

気がかりな (Kigakari-na) - Concerning

مرتبط

気持ち (Kimochi) - Feeling
気分 (Kibun) - Mood
気配 (Kehai) - Sign/Indication
気質 (Katagi) - Spirit/Character
気合 (Kiai) - Fighting spirit

أصل الكلمة

The phrase combines 'ki' (気), which originates from the Chinese concept of 'Qi' (vital energy/life force), and 'kakaru' (掛かる), a native Japanese verb meaning to hang or be suspended.

المعنى الأصلي: To have one's vital energy snagged or hung up on something.

Japanese (Sino-Japanese compound + Yamato-kotoba verb).
هل كان هذا مفيداً؟
لا توجد تعليقات بعد. كن أول من يشارك أفكاره!