To cause someone to worry or struggle with a difficult problem.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To cause someone mental distress or worry.
- Often used for complex problems or difficult people.
- The passive form 'nayamasareru' is very common.
概要
「悩ませる」は、「悩む」という自動詞の使役形から派生した言葉で、他者に対して心配や苦労を与えるという能動的な働きかけを示します。単なる嫌がらせだけでなく、複雑な問題や解決困難な課題が相手を困惑させるというニュアンスも含まれます。 2) 使用パターン: 基本的には「（人）を（物事）で悩ませる」という構文をとります。主語には、具体的な人物だけでなく、騒音や悪天候、あるいは難問など、抽象的な事象が来ることも多いです。受け身形である「悩まされる」も非常に頻繁に使われます。 3) 一般的な文脈: 日常生活では、子供の反抗期や仕事のトラブル、健康問題などが人を悩ませる対象となります。ビジネスシーンでは、経営課題や技術的な難題がプロジェクトチームを悩ませるといった表現で使われます。また、文学的な表現では、美しさや魅力が人を虜にし、その結果として心を揺さぶり悩ませるというポジティブな文脈でも使用されます。 4) 類語比較: 「困らせる」は相手を困った状況に置くという広い意味を持ちますが、「悩ませる」はより精神的な葛藤や長期的な苦しみに重点が置かれます。「苦しめる」は身体的な痛みやより深刻なダメージを含みますが、「悩ませる」は主に精神的な負担に焦点を当てています。
Examples
子供の反抗期が親を悩ませる。
everydayA child's rebellious phase troubles the parents.
その難問が研究者を悩ませ続けた。
formalThe difficult problem continued to trouble the researchers.
もう、そんなことで私を悩ませないで。
informalDon't bother me with things like that anymore.
経済の低迷が国民の生活を悩ませている。
academicThe economic downturn is troubling the lives of the people.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
頭を悩ませる
to rack one's brains over something
世間を悩ませる問題
a problem that troubles society
人を悩ませる
to trouble someone
Often Confused With
Means to cause someone trouble or inconvenience. It is broader than 'nayamaseru' and can refer to simple physical inconvenience, whereas 'nayamaseru' focuses on mental worry.
Implies inflicting pain or suffering. It is much stronger than 'nayamaseru' and can involve physical agony or severe emotional trauma.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This verb is used to describe a state where someone is forced to think or worry about something. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal registers. The passive form 'nayamasareru' is frequently used to express being on the receiving end of such trouble.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the transitive 'nayamaseru' when they should use the passive 'nayamasareru' to describe their own feelings. Remember: 'Something troubles me' is 'Sore ga watashi o nayamaseru', but 'I am troubled by something' is 'Watashi wa sore ni nayamasarete iru'.
Tips
Focus on the mental aspect
Remember that this word implies a mental struggle. It is not just about physical annoyance, but about someone having to think hard or worry about something.
Don't confuse with physical pain
While it can be used for physical health issues, it primarily describes the mental burden caused by the illness, not the physical pain itself.
Common in Japanese media
You will often hear this in news reports describing 'social issues that plague society' or 'difficulties that trouble the government'.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'nayamu' (to worry/suffer). Adding the causative suffix '-seru' turns it into 'to make someone suffer/worry'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, avoiding causing trouble for others is a significant social value. Therefore, 'nayamaseru' often carries a slightly negative connotation, as it implies that the subject is disturbing the peace of mind of others.
Memory Tip
Think of 'nayamaseru' as 'making someone's head heavy'. The kanji '悩' contains the heart radical, suggesting that the trouble is felt deep in the heart or mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「困らせる」は相手を困った状況に追い込むこと全般を指しますが、「悩ませる」は相手が頭を抱えて考え込んだり、精神的に苦しんだりする状態に重点を置いています。
自分が悩みの対象となっている時や、外部の要因によって自分が苦しんでいる状態を表現する時に使います。例えば「騒音に悩まされている」のように使います。
はい、例えば「その美しさが多くのファンを悩ませた」のように、魅力があまりに強いために心を奪われ、どうしていいか分からなくなるという文脈で使用されることがあります。
丁寧な文脈では「ご心配をおかけして申し訳ありません」のように別の表現を使うのが一般的ですが、状況を客観的に説明する際には「難題が我々を悩ませている」のように使用しても問題ありません。
Test Yourself
最近、仕事のミスが私を___。
過去の出来事として述べるため、過去形の「悩ませた」が自然です。
「悩まされる」の使い方として正しいのはどれですか？
受け身形は、外部の要因によって自分が苦しんでいる状態を表すのに適しています。
（私を / 難問が / 悩ませる / ずっと）
主語（難問が）＋目的語（私を）＋副詞（ずっと）＋動詞（悩ませる）の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To cause someone to worry or struggle with a difficult problem.
- To cause someone mental distress or worry.
- Often used for complex problems or difficult people.
- The passive form 'nayamasareru' is very common.
Focus on the mental aspect
Remember that this word implies a mental struggle. It is not just about physical annoyance, but about someone having to think hard or worry about something.
Don't confuse with physical pain
While it can be used for physical health issues, it primarily describes the mental burden caused by the illness, not the physical pain itself.
Common in Japanese media
You will often hear this in news reports describing 'social issues that plague society' or 'difficulties that trouble the government'.
Examples
4 of 4子供の反抗期が親を悩ませる。
A child's rebellious phase troubles the parents.
その難問が研究者を悩ませ続けた。
The difficult problem continued to trouble the researchers.
もう、そんなことで私を悩ませないで。
Don't bother me with things like that anymore.
経済の低迷が国民の生活を悩ませている。
The economic downturn is troubling the lives of the people.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
