が気になる
To be interested in, To be concerned about
Structure
Verb + こと(1) + が気になる
(1) の
Explanation
The expression 気になる is one of many common phrases in Japanese that use 気, which can refer to one's mind, feelings, or attention. This grammar point is formed by combining the noun 気 with the particle に and the verb なる ('to become'). It follows the pattern (A)が, where (A) indicates the person, thing, or situation that has caught the speaker's attention.
This structure is most frequently used to express that you are 'curious about (A)', 'interested in (A)', or 'worried about (A)'. It signifies that something has naturally come to occupy your thoughts. This grammar point can precede nouns or phrases that function like nouns.
- 明日からの旅行、天気が気になります。雨が降らないといいんですけど。I'm a bit worried about the weather for our trip starting tomorrow. I hope it doesn't rain.
- クラスに来た転校生のことが気になる。I'm curious about the new transfer student in our class.
- さっきから隣の部屋の変な音が気になります。That strange noise from the room next door has been bothering me for a little while now.
- きのう観た映画の最後のシーンが気になる。The final scene of the movie I watched yesterday is on my mind.
Caution
It is important to distinguish this from 気にする. While 気にする implies that the speaker is consciously choosing to worry about or pay attention to (A), 気になる suggests a more spontaneous feeling. The verb なる ('to become') emphasizes that (A) has naturally 'become' a source of interest or concern for the speaker, without any deliberate effort.
- 私が気にすることは、このプロジェクトが成功するかどうかだけです。The only thing I'm actively focusing on is whether or not this project will succeed.
- 私が気になることは、このプロジェクトが成功するかどうかだけです。The only thing that is on my mind is whether or not this project will succeed.
Examples
駅の近くにできた新しいカフェが気になる。
I'm curious about the new cafe that opened near the station.
息子の咳が気になる。
I'm worried about my son's cough.
みんなが話しているドラマの続きが気になっている。
I'm curious about what happens next in the drama everyone is talking about.
隣の部屋からの物音が気になる。
That noise from the next room is bothering me.
試験の結果が気になって、夜も眠れない。
I'm so worried about my test results that I can't even sleep at night.
彼女が持っている傘のブランドが気になる。
I'm curious about the brand of the umbrella she's carrying.
シャツについた小さなシミが気になる。
The small stain on my shirt is bothering me.
新しく入ったアルバイトの人が気になっている。
I'm interested in the new part-timer who just started.
明日のプレゼンが気になって、集中できない。
I'm so preoccupied with tomorrow's presentation that I can't concentrate.
ネットで見た新商品の口コミが気になる。
I'm interested in the online reviews for the new product.
知らないアドレスからのメールが気になっているんです。
I'm concerned about an email I received from an unknown address.
彼の話の矛盾点がいちいちきになる。本当のことを言っているのかな。
The contradictions in his story bother me every time. I wonder if he's telling the truth.