adjective HSK 4
uneasy · disturbed · restless · anxious
Meaning
不安 describes a state of mental or emotional unease, restlessness, or anxiety. It conveys the feeling of being unsettled, worried, or uncomfortable about something. The word combines 不 (not) and 安 (peaceful/calm) to literally mean 'not peaceful.'
Usage
不安 is commonly used to describe psychological states of worry, anxiety, or discomfort. It can describe both temporary unease and deeper anxiety. Often used with 感到 (to feel) or 心里 (in one's heart). More formal than colloquial expressions like 不放心.
Examples
- 01听到这个消息后，她心里感到很不安。, .After hearing this news, she felt very uneasy.
- 02孩子半夜还没回家，父母坐立不安。, .The child still hadn't come home at midnight, and the parents were restless with worry.
Characters
Common collocations
- 感到不安to feel uneasy
- 心里不安to feel uneasy in one's heart
- 局促不安ill at ease, uncomfortable
- 忐忑不安perturbed, mentally disturbed
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines the negation 不 with 安 (peace/calm), creating a straightforward compound meaning 'not peaceful.' 安 originally depicted a woman under a roof, symbolizing safety and tranquility.