Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing nervousness depends on whether you're describing a temporary feeling, a personality trait, or a physical reaction. The most common word is 緊張 (きんちょう), which covers both the state of being nervous and the physical tension. For personality, 神経質 (しんけいしつ) means 'high-strung' or 'nervous by nature'. There are also vivid mimetic words like ドキドキ (dokidoki) for a pounding heart.
Express temporary nervousness, such as before a speech, exam, or meeting.
The standard word for nervousness or tension. Can be used as a noun or a する-verb (緊張する). It implies both mental nervousness and physical stiffness.
I always get nervous before a speech.
I was so nervous during the interview that I couldn't speak well.
Mimetic word for a pounding heart. Often used for excitement or nervous anticipation. More casual and physical than 緊張.
My heart was pounding on my first date.
Mimetic word for restlessness or fidgeting due to nervousness. Implies visible unease.
I was fidgeting while waiting for the results.
Literally 'become anxious'. Used when nervousness is mixed with worry or unease about an outcome.
I get nervous/anxious when I think about the exam.
Describe someone who is generally high-strung, easily worried, or nervous by nature.
Describes a person who is sensitive, easily stressed, or nervous about details. Often used as a noun or な-adjective.
He's high-strung and worries about even small things.
Literally 'worry-prone'. Describes someone who tends to worry or get nervous easily. More about mental worry than physical tension.
Mimetic word for being timid or constantly nervous, often in fear of something. Can imply a cowardly or jumpy nature.
He's always nervous around his boss.
Describe symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a dry mouth caused by nervousness.
Literally 'sweat on one's hands'. A common way to say your palms are sweaty from nerves.
My hands got sweaty from nervousness.
Literally 'voice trembles'. Used when nervousness makes your voice shaky.
Literally 'mouth becomes dry'. A common symptom of nervousness.
緊張 is the general word for nervousness and can be used in formal and informal contexts. ドキドキ specifically describes a pounding heart and is often used for excitement or romantic nervousness. You wouldn't say ドキドキ in a business meeting unless you're being very casual.
I get nervous before presentations.
My heart pounds when I see my crush.
The loanword ナーバス (naabasu) exists but is less common and often means 'sensitive' or 'touchy' rather than 'nervous' in the sense of stage fright. Stick with 緊張 or ドキドキ for most situations.
My mother is a worrier and calls me all the time.
I was so nervous my voice trembled.
My mouth gets dry when I speak in public.