Translation guide
Describes a state of mental or physical tightness, nervousness, or strain. Japanese expressions vary based on whether the feeling is emotional, physical, or situational.
Expressing a feeling of nervousness, anxiety, or emotional strain, often in social or high-pressure situations.
I always feel tense before an interview.
I get really tense when speaking in public.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart due to nervousness or excitement. More casual and visceral than 緊張する.
I felt tense (my heart was pounding) on my first date.
Literally 'one's spirit is stretched tight.' Implies being mentally on edge or alert, often in a formal or demanding environment.
I felt tense throughout the meeting.
Describes a restless, fidgety nervousness. Often used when waiting for something or feeling uneasy.
I felt tense and restless while waiting for the results.
Describing a physical sensation of tightness or stiffness in the body, often due to stress or fatigue.
Literally 'shoulders become stiff.' The most idiomatic way to express physical tension, especially in the neck and shoulders.
Lately, I've been feeling tense in my shoulders from work.
To become stiff or rigid, often from cold, fear, or tension. Can refer to body parts or facial expressions.
Literally 'muscles become taut.' A more clinical or descriptive way to say muscles feel tense.
Describing a strained, uncomfortable atmosphere or a situation filled with tension.
緊張する is a general term for nervous tension and can be used in formal and informal contexts. ドキドキする focuses on the physical sensation of a racing heart and is more casual and emotional. Use 緊張する for job interviews or speeches, and ドキドキする for exciting or romantic nervousness.
I feel tense before a presentation, but before a date my heart pounds.
English 'feel tense' can be translated directly as 緊張している, but for physical stiffness, use 肩が凝る or こわばる. Saying 体が緊張する sounds unnatural; instead specify the body part or use 筋肉が張る.
I feel tense (in my shoulders).
緊張で顔がこわばった。
My face felt tense from nervousness.
After exercise, my muscles feel tense.
Negotiations took place in a tense atmosphere.
A four-character idiom meaning 'a touch and it will explode,' i.e., a highly volatile, tense situation ready to erupt.
Relations between the two countries are tense and could explode at any moment.