Translation guide
Describes a state of anxious suspense or nervous anticipation. Japanese expresses this through idiomatic phrases, verbs, and mimetic words that convey being unable to relax while waiting for an outcome.
To be in a state of nervous anticipation, unable to relax while waiting for something important or uncertain.
Literally 'one's mind is not at ease.' A common, natural way to say you are so worried or anxious that you can't think of anything else.
試験の結果が気が気でない。
I'm on tenterhooks about the exam results.
A verb meaning to fret or be impatient with worry. Often used when waiting for something and feeling restless.
返事が来なくてやきもきしている。
I'm on tenterhooks waiting for a reply.
A mimetic adverb describing a heart-pounding, anxious state, often while watching something suspenseful unfold. Used with する.
Literally 'I don't feel alive.' A strong expression for extreme anxiety or fear that makes you feel half-dead with worry.
手術の結果を待つ間、生きた心地がしなかった。
While waiting for the surgery results, I was on tenterhooks.
Literally 'one's chest is noisy.' A more literary or dramatic way to express a feeling of anxious foreboding.
何か悪いことが起こりそうで胸が騒ぐ。
I'm on tenterhooks, as if something bad is about to happen.
試合の行方にはらはらした。
I was on tenterhooks about the outcome of the match.