Translation guide
The English word "tension" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common translations depend on whether you mean physical tightness, mental stress, strained relationships, or a suspenseful atmosphere.
Express a state of mental pressure, worry, or nervousness.
The most common and versatile word for mental tension, nervousness, or strain. Can be used for both acute nervousness (e.g., before a speech) and ongoing stress.
I always feel tense before a speech.
The tension continued while waiting for the exam results.
Loanword for 'stress', often used for ongoing mental pressure. More about accumulated strain than acute nervousness.
I can't sleep because of work stress.
Literally 'mentally stretched tight', describes a state of high mental tension or being on edge. More literary or descriptive.
He is so tense that he snaps at the slightest thing.
Describe something being pulled tight or a feeling of physical tightness.
Also used for physical tension, such as muscle tension or the tautness of a rope. Context distinguishes from mental tension.
A massage to relieve muscle tension.
Refers to tautness, stretch, or firmness. Often used for skin, fabric, or strings. Not for mental states.
Stiffness or rigidity, especially of muscles or body from tension or cold. Often used for a stiff neck or shoulders.
Describe a situation where there is hostility, friction, or unease between people.
Again the primary word, used for diplomatic, political, or interpersonal tension. Often paired with 関係 (relations) or 状態 (state).
Tension is rising between the two countries.
Describes a relationship that has become awkward, strained, or uncomfortable, often after a disagreement. Implies a loss of smoothness.
Discord, friction, or dissension. More formal and often used for serious rifts in groups or families.
Describe a feeling of anticipation, excitement, or suspense in a narrative or situation.
Literally 'feeling of tension', used for a gripping, suspenseful atmosphere in movies, books, or sports.
This movie maintains tension until the very end.
Loanword specifically for the genre or feeling of suspense. Often used for thrillers.
Onomatopoeic phrase meaning to be on the edge of one's seat, feeling suspense or anxiety about an outcome.
The game was full of tension until the end.
Refer to electrical potential difference.
The standard technical term for voltage. 'Tension' in this sense is rarely used outside technical contexts.
Please measure the tension in this circuit.
While 緊張 (きんちょう) covers many senses of 'tension', it can sound unnatural for physical tautness of objects like strings or fabric. Use 張り (はり) or specific verbs like 張る (はる) instead.
Pull the rope taut.
緊張 (きんちょう) is often a temporary state of nervousness or strain, while ストレス is more about accumulated stress over time. Use 緊張 for stage fright or a tense atmosphere; use ストレス for chronic work pressure.
Keep the tension on the rope.
The tension on this guitar string is too high.
I have a lot of tension in my shoulders.
The atmosphere in the meeting was tense.
There is ongoing tension between them.
Tension arose within the family.
サスペンス小説が好きです。
I like suspense novels.