()がかり

きがかり
noun, adjective-na
worry; concern; anxiety
1. worry; concern; unease; something weighing on one's mind
A nagging worry or concern that lingers in the mind. Describes both the feeling of unease and the matter that causes it. Milder than strong anxiety; more like something you can't stop thinking about.
ひとつ()がかりなことがある。
There's one thing that's been on my mind.
息子(むすこ)健康(けんこう)()がかりで仕方(しかた)ない。
I can't help worrying about my son's health.
出発(しゅっぱつ)(まえ)戸締(とじま)りをしたか()がかりになって、途中(とちゅう)()(かえ)した。
I became worried about whether I had locked up before leaving and turned back midway.

USAGE:
()がかり can be used as both a な-adjective (()がかりな(てん), a concerning point) and a noun (()がかりがある, to have a concern). It describes a milder, more lingering worry than 心配(しんぱい) (worry), which is a stronger and more active feeling. ()がかり suggests something nagging at the back of your mind.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ()がかりなこと: something worrying, a concern
  • ()がかりな(てん): a point of concern
  • ()がかりで仕方(しかた)ない: can't help worrying
  • 唯一(ゆいいつ)()がかり: the only concern