忧 — meaning in English: worry

yōu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for worry

忧

yōu

光盘

guāngpán

红

hóng

监管

jiānguǎn

可惜

kěxí

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '忧' in conversations about personal challenges, such as academic pressure or family concerns. For instance, someone might express their '忧' about upcoming exams or a relative's health during a casual chat with friends or family.

Synonyms & nuances

'忧' is often compared to '担心' (dān xīn), which also means 'to worry.' However, '忧' carries a slightly heavier emotional weight, often implying a deeper, more persistent sense of distress, while '担心' can refer to lighter concerns.

Culture

'忧' has roots in ancient Chinese literature, often appearing in poetry and philosophical texts. It embodies a deep emotional state that reflects the human experience of anxiety and concern, making it a word that resonates in various aspects of Chinese culture, from family discussions to literature.

FAQ

Q.What does the Mandarin word '忧' mean in English?

'忧' translates to 'worry' in English, representing feelings of anxiety or concern about something that may happen in the future.

Q.How do you use '忧' in a sentence?

You can use '忧' in sentences like '我对他的未来感到忧' (Wǒ duì tā de wèilái gǎndào yōu), which means 'I worry about his future.'

Q.Are there mistakes to avoid when using '忧'?

A common mistake is to confuse '忧' with '紧张' (jǐn zhāng), which means 'nervous.' While both denote a form of worry, '忧' implies a deeper emotional concern, while '紧张' often relates to situational stress.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000