Translation guide
The English word 'restless' describes a state of being unable to rest, relax, or stay still, often due to anxiety, boredom, or excess energy. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for physical restlessness, mental unease, and situational impatience.
Describing someone who fidgets, paces, or can't sit quietly due to energy or discomfort.
The most common and versatile expression for feeling restless or unable to settle down. It can be used for both physical and mental restlessness.
彼は何か落ち着かない様子で、ずっとそわそわしている。
He seems restless, fidgeting the whole time.
An onomatopoeic word describing fidgety, restless behavior, often from nervousness or excitement. Commonly used with する.
面接の前で、彼はそわそわしていた。
He was restless before the interview.
Describes squirming or fidgeting, often from embarrassment, shyness, or hesitation. More about small, uncomfortable movements.
子供は退屈で、席でもじもじしていた。
The child was restless in his seat out of boredom.
Literally 'can't stay still'. A direct and clear way to express physical restlessness.
長時間のフライトで、じっとしていられなかった。
I was restless during the long flight.
Describing a restless mind that can't relax due to worry, stress, or anticipation.
Means 'the mind cannot rest'. Used when you are constantly worried or stressed and can't find peace of mind.
仕事のことが頭から離れなくて、気が休まらない。
I can't stop thinking about work; I feel restless.
Similar to 落ち着かない but explicitly refers to the heart/mind. Emphasizes emotional unrest.
試験の結果を待っている間、心が落ち着かなかった。
While waiting for the exam results, I felt restless.
Means 'anxious' or 'uneasy'. Often used when restlessness stems from a specific worry.
彼は将来について不安で、夜も眠れない。
He is restless about the future and can't sleep at night.
Describing a restless desire to move, act, or experience something new, often from boredom or ambition.
Also used for a restless urge to do something, not just physical inability to stay still.
何か新しいことを始めたくて、じっとしていられない。
I'm restless to start something new.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning to itch or be eager to do something. Implies a strong, almost physical urge to act.
旅行に行きたくてうずうずしている。
I'm restless to go on a trip.
Means 'bored'. Restlessness from boredom is often expressed with 退屈で落ち着かない or similar.
退屈で、何か刺激が欲しい。
I'm restless and want some excitement.
Describing a night or sleep that is disturbed, not restful.
A common phrase for a restless night, often due to heat, worry, or discomfort.
暑さで寝苦しい夜を過ごした。
I had a restless night because of the heat.
Literally 'a night one cannot sleep'. Directly expresses a sleepless, restless night.
心配事で眠れない夜が続いた。
I had restless nights due to worries.
Means 'shallow sleep'. Describes sleep that is easily disturbed, leading to restlessness.
浅い眠りで、何度も目が覚めた。
I had a restless sleep and woke up many times.
そわそわ is used for restless movements from excitement or nervousness, like pacing or fidgeting with hands. もじもじ is for small, hesitant movements from embarrassment or shyness, like squirming in a seat.
デートの前でそわそわしている。
He's restless before the date (excited/nervous).
人前で話すのが恥ずかしくてもじもじしている。
She's fidgeting because she's embarrassed to speak in public.
The direct translation '休まらない' is not commonly used alone. Instead, use phrases like 落ち着かない or 気が休まらない depending on context.
長いスピーチの間、聴衆はそわそわし始めた。
The audience grew restless during the long speech.
彼女は落ち着かなくて、本に集中できなかった。
She felt restless and couldn't focus on her book.
寝苦しい夜の後、彼は一日中疲れていた。
After a restless night, he was tired all day.