Translation guide
The act of moving restlessly, often due to nervousness, boredom, or impatience. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific verbs and mimetic words that describe the physical actions involved.
To describe someone who can't stay still, often due to nervous energy or boredom.
A mimetic word describing a state of restless fidgeting, often from nervousness or anticipation. Commonly used for someone who can't sit still.
He was fidgeting the whole time before the interview.
Literally 'not calm', this phrase describes a general inability to settle down, often manifesting as fidgeting.
I feel restless and keep moving my legs.
Describes fidgeting due to shyness, embarrassment, or hesitation. Often implies a lack of confidence.
She fidgets when speaking in front of people.
To describe the action of restlessly touching or manipulating something with one's hands.
A general verb for touching, fiddling, or playing with something, often restlessly. Can be used for fidgeting with objects.
He has a habit of fidgeting with a pen when nervous.
Kanji form of いじる, same meaning. More common in written language.
Means 'to touch'. When used with adverbs like むやみに (unnecessarily) or しきりに (repeatedly), it can convey fidgeting.
To describe the specific action of bouncing or shaking one's legs while seated.
Literally 'poor man's shaking', this is the common term for the habit of shaking one's leg while sitting. Often considered a bad habit.
His leg shaking is so annoying I can't concentrate.
Describes dangling or swinging one's legs, often when seated on a high chair or edge. Can be a form of fidgeting.
To express restless movements caused by waiting or lack of stimulation.
An adjective describing a feeling of impatience or irritation that often leads to fidgeting. Can be used to describe the situation or the person's state.
The slow reply is making me fidgety.
Means 'to look bored'. Often accompanied by fidgeting behaviors like sighing or shifting in one's seat.
そわそわ is used for restless fidgeting from excitement or nervousness, while もじもじ implies shyness or hesitation. Use そわそわ for someone who can't sit still before a big event, and もじもじ for someone who is too embarrassed to speak up.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'fidgeting'. Instead, choose the expression that matches the specific type of movement and the underlying emotion.
会議中に髪を弄るのはやめなさい。
Stop fidgeting with your hair during the meeting.
He was nervously fidgeting with his tie.
The child sat on the chair, fidgeting by swinging their legs.
He was fidgeting out of boredom during the lecture.