Translation guide
Describes a state of being restless, unable to stay still, often due to nervousness, boredom, or impatience. Japanese expressions vary by cause and physical manifestation.
General restlessness, squirming, or constant small movements.
The most common and versatile expression. Literally 'not settled', it covers mental and physical restlessness.
彼は待合室で落ち着かない様子だった。
He seemed fidgety in the waiting room.
Onomatopoeic adverb describing visible fidgeting, often from anticipation or nervousness.
面接の前、彼はそわそわしていた。
He was fidgety before the interview.
Onomatopoeic adverb for squirming or hesitating, often from embarrassment or shyness.
子供は叱られてもじもじしていた。
The child was fidgeting after being scolded.
Fidgeting caused by anxiety, stress, or nervous energy.
Also used here; emphasizes visible nervous movements.
試験の結果を待っている間、彼女はそわそわしていた。
She was fidgety while waiting for the exam results.
Onomatopoeic word for irritation or impatience, often with fidgety movements like tapping fingers.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'unable to keep one's mind at ease', implying anxious restlessness.
彼女は子供の帰りが遅くて気が気でなかった。
She was fidgety because her child was late coming home.
Fidgeting due to boredom or waiting, often with repetitive motions.
Literally 'hands with nothing to do', describes the restless feeling of having idle hands.
長い会議で手持ち無沙汰だった。
I was fidgety during the long meeting.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'looking bored', often accompanied by fidgeting.
彼は退屈そうにペンをいじっていた。
He was fidgeting with a pen, looking bored.
Specifically playing with or touching objects restlessly.
Verb meaning 'to fiddle with' or 'to touch restlessly'. Combine with object.
彼はいつも髪をいじっている。
He's always fidgeting with his hair.
Kanji form of いじる, same meaning but more written.
Verb meaning 'to touch', can imply fidgeting when used with adverbs like しきりに (frequently).
Restlessness caused by physical unease, like an uncomfortable seat.
Onomatopoeia for an itchy or crawling sensation, often causing fidgeting.
背中がむずむずしてじっとしていられない。
My back feels fidgety and I can't stay still.
Can also be used for physical discomfort, though less specific.
そわそわ is outward, visible fidgeting from excitement or nerves. もじもじ is inward, hesitant squirming from embarrassment or shyness.
デートの前、彼はそわそわしていた。
Before the date, he was fidgety (excited/nervous).
初対面の人にもじもじして話せなかった。
She was fidgety (shy) and couldn't talk to the stranger.
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly translates 'fidgety'. Use the expressions above depending on context. Avoid direct translations like フィジェティ.
渋滞で彼はイライラして足を揺らしていた。
Stuck in traffic, he was fidgety and shaking his leg.
She was unconsciously fidgeting with her ring.
The child was fidgeting with his ear repeatedly.
硬い椅子でそわそわしてしまった。
I got fidgety on the hard chair.