Entry
きなきな
kinakina
An archaic term for worrying, brooding, or fretting continuously over thoughts.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An archaic Japanese mimetic word that describes a state of continuous internal anxiety, fretting, or gloomy rumination. While modern Japanese speakers typically use words like kuyokuyo to express brooding over thoughts, kinakina served a similar purpose in older texts to convey a heavy, worried state of mind.
- fretting continuously
- brooding gloomily
Sense Map
Worry & Anxiety
Feeling continuous anxiety or concern in one's heart.
きなきなと心配する
Brooding
Moping or brooding over a problem gloomily.
きなきなと思案する
Usage Note
How to Use
きなきなと + verb
Used with verbs related to thinking or worrying, describing the manner in which someone broods.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きなきなと悩む
worry continuously
きなきなと思う
think worriedly
きなきなと心配する
fret anxiously
きなきなと思案する
ponder gloomily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| In classical literature | Gloomy | Used to depict characters plagued by deep anxiety. |
| Modern conversation | Unnatural | Not used by native speakers today. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
くよくよ くよくよ / similar | When worrying about small things in modern daily life. | Kuyokuyo is common today, while kinakina is outdated. | くよくよ悩む |
やきもき やきもき / similar | When feeling anxious due to impatience or suspense. | Yakimoki focuses on frustrated impatience, rather than gloomy brooding. | やきもきする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word in casual, everyday conversation.
Use modern words like kuyokuyo for daily conversation, as kinakina is archaic.
Assuming it has a cheerful meaning due to its repetitive sound.
It actually carries a very gloomy and worried nuance.
Examples
Examples
昔の人は、不吉な夢を見てはきなきなと思い悩んだそうだ。
むかしのひとは、ふきつなゆめをみてはきなきなとおもいなやんだそうだ。
It is said that people in the past would brood anxiously after having an ominous dream.
LiteralAn example from a historical context.
どうにもならないことをきなきなと考えても仕方がない。
どうにもならないことをきなきなとかんがえてもしかたがない。
It's no use fretting continuously over things that cannot be helped.
LiteralShows continuous fretting.
あの侍は主君の身をきなきなと心配していた。
あのさむらいはしゅくんのみをきなきなとしんぱいしていた。
That samurai was fretting continuously over his lord's safety.
LiteralOften used in classical literary narration.
過去の過ちをきなきなと悔やむのはやめなさい。
かこのあやまちをきなきなとくやむのはやめなさい。
Stop brooding endlessly over past mistakes.
LiteralBrooding over the past.
彼女は手紙が来ないことをきなきなと気に病んでいる。
かのじょはてがみがこないことをきなきなときにやんでいる。
She is fretting over the fact that the letter hasn't arrived.
LiteralAnxiety from waiting.
Similar Words
Questions
Is kinakina still used today?
No, it is an archaic word. You can use kuyokuyo instead.
What is the difference between kinakina and kuyokuyo?
Both have similar meanings, but kuyokuyo is the modern standard while kinakina is outdated.
Does kinakina always have a negative meaning?
Yes, it generally describes an unwanted state of brooding and anxiety.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2788940
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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