Translation guide
The English word "nerve" has several distinct meanings: anatomical nerves, courage, audacity/impudence, and nervousness. Each requires different Japanese expressions.
The physical nerve in the body
The standard medical and everyday term for a nerve or the nervous system.
I had the nerve removed from my tooth.
It is said that nerve cells do not regenerate.
The mental strength to do something difficult or frightening
The most common word for courage or bravery. Used in phrases like "have the nerve to do something."
I didn't have the nerve to talk to her.
I plucked up the nerve to tell the truth.
Guts, nerve in the sense of boldness or daring. Often used for facing danger or taking risks.
Literally "the liver is settled," meaning to have nerves of steel, to be unshakable.
Rude boldness, having the nerve to do something inappropriate
An exclamation expressing disbelief at someone's audacity. Often followed by a verb like 言う or する.
You've got some nerve saying that.
Literally "with what face," a strong expression of anger at someone's nerve to show up or say something.
How do you have the nerve to show your face here?
A state of being nervous or on edge, often in phrases like "nerves" or "get on one's nerves"
Used in many compounds and phrases related to mental nerves, sensitivity, or irritation.
My nerves always get tense before an exam.
To be irritated, annoyed; often used for "getting on one's nerves."
The way he talks gets on my nerves.
The English "nerve" meaning courage is not usually translated as 神経. Use 勇気 or 度胸 instead. 神経 primarily refers to anatomical nerves or mental sensitivity.
Both mean impudent or shameless. 図々しい is more common in spoken Japanese and carries a nuance of being pushy. 厚かましい is slightly more formal and often used in set phrases like 厚かましいお願い.
Jumping from that height takes some nerve!
He has nerves of steel, so he stays calm in any emergency.
Adjective meaning shameless, impudent, having a lot of nerve. Describes a person or action.
He had the nerve to come borrow money again.
Similar to 図々しい, meaning thick-skinned, brazen, impudent.
I know I have a lot of nerve asking, but could you lend me your car?
His attitude gets on my nerves.
Nervous temperament, high-strung, oversensitive. Describes a person who is easily bothered.
She's very highly strung and bothered by even small noises.