Translation guide
The English word "shaky" can describe physical instability, emotional nervousness, or uncertain quality. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that is physically unstable, wobbling, or trembling, such as hands, legs, a table, or a structure.
Used for trembling due to cold, fear, or weakness. Often describes body parts like hands or voice.
My hands are shaky from the cold.
My voice was shaky from nerves.
Onomatopoeic word for something wobbling or unsteady, like a loose tooth or an unstable table.
This desk is shaky; its legs are wobbly.
My tooth is loose/shaky.
Describes unsteady movement, like staggering or feeling dizzy. Often used for a person's gait.
I'm so tired my legs are shaky.
Means unstable or unsteady. More formal; used for structures, systems, or conditions.
This ladder is shaky and dangerous.
Describing a person who feels anxious, uncertain, or lacking in confidence, or a performance that shows nerves.
The most common way to say someone is nervous. Literally "being tense."
I'm feeling shaky about my first presentation.
Means lacking confidence. Often used when someone feels shaky about their abilities.
Onomatopoeic word for acting timidly or nervously, often visibly shaky.
Describing something that is not solid, reliable, or well-founded, such as a plan, memory, or argument.
震える (furueru) is for trembling/shaking, often of body parts. ぐらぐら (guragura) is for objects wobbling. ふらふら (furafura) is for unsteady movement of a person, like staggering.
Hands tremble.
The desk wobbles.
He is walking unsteadily.
I'm still shaky about speaking English.
彼は面接でおどおどしていた。
He was shaky and timid during the interview.
The plan is still shaky.
証拠が不確かで、判決は難しい。
The evidence is shaky, so a verdict is difficult.
Expresses a feeling of unease because something is unreliable or insufficient. Often used for financial situations or prospects.
With so little savings, my future feels shaky.