Translation guide
The English phrase "feel nervous" describes a state of anxiety, unease, or apprehension. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on the cause and intensity of the nervousness. Common options include 緊張する for formal or performance-related nerves, ドキドキする for excited nervousness, and 不安だ for deeper worry. This guide organizes Japanese equivalents by the type of nervous feeling.
Express feeling nervous due to pressure or anticipation, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweaty palms.
I always feel nervous before interviews.
I got nervous during the speech and my voice trembled.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart. Often used for excited nervousness, like before a date or a fun event. Less formal than 緊張する.
I felt nervous/excited on my first date.
Describes restless, fidgety nervousness. Often used when waiting for something or feeling uneasy without a clear reason.
I was feeling nervous/restless while waiting for the results.
Means 'anxious' or 'uneasy.' Used for deeper, more persistent worry rather than momentary nerves. Often about the future or uncertain outcomes.
I'm so nervous/worried about tomorrow's exam that I can't sleep.
Describes watching something suspenseful or worrying about someone else's situation. Often used when you are an observer feeling nervous for someone.
I felt nervous watching my child's game.
Express worry or fear about something that might happen, often with a sense of dread.
Means 'worried' or 'concerned.' Used when you are nervous about a potential negative outcome. More about mental worry than physical symptoms.
He's late, so I'm nervous/worried that he might have had an accident.
Similar to 心配 but slightly more formal and often used for lingering concerns. Implies something is on your mind.
I can't help feeling nervous/worried about my mother's health.
Emphatic way to say 'extremely nervous/anxious.' Used when the feeling is overwhelming.
Express nervousness due to embarrassment, lack of confidence, or social awkwardness.
Also covers shy nervousness, especially when meeting new people or speaking in public.
I feel nervous speaking in front of people.
Means 'feel shy/embarrassed' rather than purely nervous. Often used when receiving compliments or attention.
Means 'get stage fright' or 'freeze up' from nerves. Often used for performances or presentations.
Express a mix of nervousness and excitement, like before a trip or a fun event.
Onomatopoeia for excited anticipation. Often used for happy events. The nervous element is mild and positive.
The night before the trip, I was so excited/nervous I couldn't sleep.
Also used for excited nervousness, especially romantic or thrilling situations.
I felt nervous/excited before getting on the roller coaster.
緊張する is the safest, most general term for 'feel nervous' and can be used in almost any context. ドキドキする focuses on the physical sensation of a pounding heart and often implies excitement. 不安だ implies deeper anxiety or worry about something bad happening. Use 緊張する for job interviews, speeches, and formal situations; ドキドキする for dates, surprises, and thrilling experiences; and 不安だ for health, safety, or uncertain outcomes.
English uses 'feel' + adjective, but Japanese often uses a verb phrase (緊張する) or an adjective (不安だ). Saying ナーバスを感じる is unnatural. Stick to the expressions listed above.
I was incredibly nervous before the surgery.
褒められて照れた。
I felt nervous/shy when I was praised.
I get nervous and freeze up when I go on stage.