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.
彼は舞台恐怖症で、人前で話せない。
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.
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.
General word for 'nervousness' or 'tension'. Not specific to stage fright, but very commonly used to describe the feeling before a performance.
スピーチの前はいつも緊張する。
I always get nervous before a speech.
A natural phrase meaning 'to get nervous in front of people'. Describes the situation without a specific medical term.
人前で緊張して、声が震えた。
I got nervous in front of everyone and my voice shook.
A more direct translation of 'stage fright', using the English loanword 'stage'. Less common than 舞台恐怖症.
ステージ恐怖症の治療法を探している。
I'm looking for a treatment for stage fright.
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.
本番前はいつもドキドキする。
I always get butterflies before the performance.
Literally 'hands tremble'. A common physical symptom of stage fright.
緊張で手が震えて、マイクを持てなかった。
My hands were shaking from nerves and I couldn't hold the mic.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a heart pounding loudly or violently. More intense than ドキドキ.
舞台に立つと心臓がバクバクする。
When I stand on stage, my heart pounds like crazy.
Talking about managing or getting over stage fright.
Means 'to relieve tension' or 'to loosen up'. A common phrase for calming nerves.
深呼吸をして緊張をほぐした。
I took a deep breath and eased my nerves.
Specifically 'to overcome performance anxiety'. Used when talking about long-term improvement.
彼はあがり症を克服して、今では堂々と話せる。
He overcame his stage fright and now speaks confidently.
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.
あがり症だから、人前で話すのは苦手です。
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.
発表の前は緊張するけど、始まると落ち着く。
I get nervous before presentations, but once I start, I calm down.
彼女はひどい舞台恐怖症だ。
She has terrible stage fright.
コンサートの前はいつもあがってしまう。
I always get stage fright before a concert.
Using the verb あがる (to be nervous) is very natural.