Translation guide
How to express 'nervously' in Japanese, covering physical signs of nervousness, mental states, and situational phrases.
Expressing that someone feels nervous, anxious, or uneasy in a situation.
The most common way to say 'nervously' when referring to the feeling of tension or nervousness, often before a performance or important event.
彼は面接の前で緊張していた。
He was nervously waiting before the interview.
Describing physical signs of nervousness, such as trembling, sweating, or fidgeting.
Describes timid, hesitant behavior due to nervousness, often in social situations.
新入生はおどおどと教室に入ってきた。
The new student nervously entered the classroom.
Expressing that someone laughs or speaks in a nervous manner.
A strained or forced laugh due to nervousness.
彼は引きつった笑いを浮かべた。
He gave a nervous laugh.
緊張して (kinchō shite) is used for tension before a specific event, while 不安そうに (fuan sō ni) implies a more general anxiety or worry. Use 緊張して for stage fright or exam nerves, and 不安そうに when someone looks worried about an uncertain outcome.
English often uses 'nervously' as an adverb modifying a verb, but Japanese prefers adverbial phrases or onomatopoeia. Direct translations like 'ナーバスに' are not natural. Instead, use the options above depending on the context.
Describes acting in a way that shows anxiety or unease, often with a worried expression.
彼女は不安そうに周りを見回した。
She looked around nervously.
Describes being restless or fidgety due to nervousness, often used for visible agitation.
彼はそわそわと足を組み替えた。
He nervously crossed and uncrossed his legs.
Onomatopoeic word for a pounding heart due to nervousness or excitement. Often used in casual or narrative contexts.
初めてのデートでどきどきした。
I was nervously excited on my first date.
Literally 'while trembling', used when nervousness causes visible shaking.
彼は震えながらスピーチを始めた。
He nervously began his speech, trembling.
Describes breaking out in a cold sweat from nervousness.
彼は冷や汗をかきながら結果を待っていた。
He nervously waited for the results, breaking into a cold sweat.
Describes a voice becoming high-pitched or shaky from nervousness.
緊張して声が上ずってしまった。
I got nervous and my voice went all high and shaky.