1.
to worry, to be anxious about
To feel concerned or anxious about something. A somewhat literary or formal word for worrying. Often appears in the proverb 案ずるより産むが易し.
将来を案じている。
I am worried about the future.
The form 案じる is also used.
親は子どもの安全を案じるものだ。
Parents naturally worry about their children's safety.
案ずるより産むが易し。
Giving birth is easier than worrying about it. (Proverb: It's easier than you think.)
2.
to think of, to devise
To think about or come up with a plan or idea. A literary usage meaning to ponder or devise.
良い方法を案じた。
I thought of a good method.
解決策を案じる。
To think of a solution.
策を案じて窮地を脱した。
I devised a plan and escaped the predicament.
CONJUGATION:
A ずる verb (classical サ変 variant). The modern form 案じる (ichidan) is also widely used. Both 案ずる and 案じる are correct. The ずる form sounds slightly more literary.
PROVERB:
案ずるより産むが易し — literally "giving birth is easier than worrying about it." Meaning: things are often easier than anticipated; don't overthink it.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 身を案じる: to worry about someone's safety
- 将来を案じる: to worry about the future
- 安否を案じる: to worry about someone's safety