懸念
けねん·kenen
Meaning
concern; worry; apprehension; anxiety; fear
Nuance & Usage
懸念 is a formal word for a serious concern or worry about a potential future problem. 懸念を抱く (to harbor concerns), 懸念が高まる (concerns are growing), 懸念を示す (to express concern), 懸念事項 (matters of concern) are key expressions. Unlike 心配 (shinpai — worry, everyday), 懸念 is used in formal, political, and professional contexts — often about broader societal or systemic issues rather than personal worries. 深刻な懸念 (serious concerns) appears frequently in diplomatic and governmental language.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 心配 (shinpai) when 懸念 is more appropriate in formal writing. 懸念 is for structured, reasoned apprehension about probable negative outcomes; 心配 is more personal and emotional. 懸念する (to be concerned about) is the verb form. 懸念が払拭される (concerns are dispelled) and 懸念を表明する (to express concerns) are important formal phrases. Don't confuse 懸念 with 不安 (fuan — anxiety, more subjective and psychological).
Example Sentences (3)
新技術の普及による雇用への影響について懸念が高まっている。
しんぎじゅつのふきゅうによるこようへのえいきょうについてけねんがたかまっている。
Concerns are growing about the impact on employment due to the spread of new technology.
新しい政策の実施に懸念を示す声が、各方面から上がっている。
あたらしいせいさくのじっしにけねんをしめすこえが、かくほうめんからあがっている。
Voices expressing concern over the implementation of the new policy are rising from all quarters.
部長は計画の実現可能性について強い懸念を抱いていた。
ぶちょうはけいかくのじつげんかのうせいについてつよいけねんをいだいていた。
The department manager had strong concerns about the feasibility of the plan.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 懸念 with 4 different question types.
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