悩ましい
なやましい
adjective-i
troubling; vexing; difficult to decide
Conjugation
| Affirmative | Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Present | 悩ましい | 悩ましくない |
| Past | 悩ましかった | 悩ましくなかった |
| て form | 悩ましくて | 悩ましくなくて |
| Adverbial | 悩ましく | — |
| Conditional ば | 悩ましければ | 悩ましくなければ |
| Conditional たら | 悩ましかったら | 悩ましくなかったら |
1.
troubling; vexing; hard to decide
Describes a problem or choice that causes worry and is hard to resolve, leaving one torn. The most common modern usage.
それは悩ましい問題だ。
That's a vexing problem.
どちらを選ぶか悩ましい。
It's hard to decide which one to choose.
予算も時間も限られていて、なかなか悩ましい状況だ。
With both budget and time limited, it's quite a troubling situation.
2.
seductive; alluring
Describes something that stirs the senses or desire, especially a captivating, sensual quality. A more literary, less frequent sense.
悩ましい視線を送る。
To cast an alluring glance.
悩ましい表情が印象的だった。
The seductive expression was striking.
歌手は悩ましい声でバラードを歌い上げた。
The singer delivered the ballad in a sultry voice.
The adjective form of 悩む (to worry). In everyday modern use sense 1 (a vexing dilemma) dominates; the sensual sense 2 is more literary.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 悩ましい問題: a thorny problem
- 悩ましい選択: a difficult choice
- 悩ましい表情: a troubled (or alluring) expression
NOTE:
Which sense applies is usually clear from context: paired with 問題 or 選択 it means vexing; paired with 視線 or 声 it leans toward sensual.