Translation guide
The nervousness or fear experienced when performing or speaking in front of an audience. Japanese has several common expressions, ranging from clinical terms to casual phrases.
Expressing the feeling of nervousness before or during a public performance or speech.
The standard term for 'stage fright' as a psychological condition. Literally 'stage phobia'. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
He has stage fright and can't speak in public.
A common, slightly informal term for performance anxiety or nervousness in front of others. Often used for public speaking or performing.
General word for 'nervousness' or 'tension'. Not specific to stage fright, but very commonly used to describe the feeling before a performance.
A natural phrase meaning 'to get nervous in front of people'. Describes the situation without a specific medical term.
A more direct translation of 'stage fright', using the English loanword 'stage'. Less common than 舞台恐怖症.
Describing the physical sensations associated with stage fright, such as a racing heart or shaky hands.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a pounding heart, often from nervousness or excitement. Very common and natural.
I always get butterflies before the performance.
Literally 'hands tremble'. A common physical symptom of stage fright.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a heart pounding loudly or violently. More intense than ドキドキ.
When I stand on stage, my heart pounds like crazy.
Talking about managing or getting over stage fright.
舞台恐怖症 is a clinical term for stage fright as a phobia. あがり症 is a broader, more colloquial term for performance anxiety, including public speaking, tests, or even meeting new people. In casual conversation, あがり症 is more common.
I have stage fright, so I'm not good at speaking in public.
緊張 is the most versatile word for nervousness. You can say 緊張する (I get nervous), 緊張している (I am nervous), or 緊張がほぐれる (my nerves settle). It's safe for any situation.
I get nervous before presentations, but once I start, I calm down.
She has terrible stage fright.
I always get stage fright before a concert.
Using the verb あがる (to be nervous) is very natural.
あがり症を克服する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to overcome stage fright.
スピーチの前はいつも緊張する。
I always get nervous before a speech.
I got nervous in front of everyone and my voice shook.
I'm looking for a treatment for stage fright.
My hands were shaking from nerves and I couldn't hold the mic.
He overcame his stage fright and now speaks confidently.