悩む

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 悩む (なやむ) is an intransitive verb meaning to worry, struggle, or be troubled over a problem.
• Basic usage: It is used when struggling with a choice or consulting someone instead of suffering alone.
  • 進学先をどこにするか悩んでいる。 — I am worried about which school to attend.
  • 一人で悩まず、信頼できる人に相談した。 — Instead of suffering alone, I consulted someone I trusted.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Marking what one worries about
  • A choice or question can precede 悩む as an embedded question with か, as in どこにするか悩む, and the person worrying is the subject.