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.
歯の神経を抜いた。
I had the nerve removed from my tooth.
神経細胞は再生しないと言われている。
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."
彼女に話しかける勇気が出なかった。
I didn't have the nerve to talk to her.
勇気を出して真実を話した。
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.
彼は肝が据わっているから、どんな緊急事態でも冷静だ。
He has nerves of steel, so he stays calm in any emergency.
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.
よくもまあそんなことが言えるね。
You've got some nerve saying that.
Adjective meaning shameless, impudent, having a lot of nerve. Describes a person or action.
彼は図々しくもまた金を借りに来た。
He had the nerve to come borrow money again.
Literally "with what face," a strong expression of anger at someone's nerve to show up or say something.
どの面下げてここに来たんだ。
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.
試験の前はいつも神経が高ぶる。
My nerves always get tense before an exam.
彼の態度が神経に障る。
His attitude gets on my nerves.
To be irritated, annoyed; often used for "getting on one's nerves."
彼の話し方はイライラする。
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!
Similar to 図々しい, meaning thick-skinned, brazen, impudent.
厚かましいお願いですが、車を貸していただけませんか。
I know I have a lot of nerve asking, but could you lend me your car?
Nervous temperament, high-strung, oversensitive. Describes a person who is easily bothered.
彼女はとても神経質で、小さな音でも気にする。
She's very highly strung and bothered by even small noises.