Translation guide
The English word "nerves" can refer to the physical nerves in the body, or to mental states like anxiety, courage, or audacity. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to the actual nerve fibers in the body.
The standard medical/biological term for nerves. Used in compounds like nervous system, nerve pain, etc.
Feeling worried, tense, or jittery, often before an event.
I have nerves before a speech. · My nerves are on edge.
The most common word for nervousness or tension. Can be used as a noun or suru-verb.
スピーチの前はいつも緊張する。
I always get nervous before a speech.
緊張で手が震えた。
My hands were shaking from nerves.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart due to nerves or excitement. Very common in casual speech.
面接の前はドキドキする。
I get nervous before an interview.
Describes restless, fidgety nervousness. Often used when waiting for something.
結果を待っている間、そわそわしていた。
I was on edge while waiting for the results.
Literally 'nerves are heightened', meaning to be highly strung or on edge. Somewhat literary.
彼は神経が高ぶっているようだ。
He seems to be on edge.
Having the audacity or bravery to do something difficult or risky.
He had the nerves to ask for a raise. · It takes nerves to perform on stage.
Courage, nerve, guts. Often used in phrases like 度胸がある (to have nerve).
彼は人前で話す度胸がある。
He has the nerve to speak in public.
そんなことをするなんて、よく度胸があるね。
You've got some nerve doing that.
General word for courage. Slightly less specific than 度胸 but very common.
Adjective meaning thick-skinned, brazen, or having a lot of nerve. Often negative nuance.
Idiom meaning to have steady nerves, be unshakable. Literally 'liver is settled'.
彼は肝が据わっている。
He has nerves of steel.
Having the nerve to do something rude or inappropriate.
What a nerve! · He had the nerve to insult me.
Adjective meaning shameless, impudent, or having a lot of nerve. Very common.
よくそんな厚かましいことが言えるね。
You've got a lot of nerve saying that.
Cheeky, impertinent. Often used for someone younger or subordinate acting above their station.
生意気な口をきくな。
Don't talk back to me! (You've got some nerve.)
Suffering from severe mental stress or a nervous condition.
She's suffering from nerves. · He had a nervous breakdown.
Medical/formal term for nervous breakdown or neurasthenia.
過労で神経衰弱になった。
He suffered a nervous breakdown from overwork.
From German 'Neurose', commonly used in Japanese for neurosis or nervous breakdown.
Expression meaning nerves are worn out, mentally exhausted.
最近、神経が参っている。
My nerves are shot lately.
While 神経 (shinkei) means nerves, saying 神経がある (shinkei ga aru) does not mean 'to be nervous'. Use 緊張する (kinchō suru) or ドキドキする (dokidoki suru) instead.
度胸 (dokyō) implies boldness or guts in a specific situation, often with a nuance of audacity. 勇気 (yūki) is general courage. For 'having the nerve to do something', 度胸 is often more natural.
I plucked up the nerve to tell the truth.
あいつは図太い神経をしている。
That guy has some nerve.
Similar to 厚かましい, meaning impudent, shameless. Often used in exclamations.
図々しいにもほどがある。
What a nerve!
彼女はノイローゼ気味だ。
She's a bit of a nervous wreck.