expression
feeling restless; distracted; unable to settle down
Describes a state where one's mind is unsettled, often due to excitement, worry, or anticipation, making it hard to focus on the present.
明日の旅行が楽しみで、気もそぞろだ。
I'm so excited about tomorrow's trip that I can't settle down.
彼は何か悩みがあるらしく、気もそぞろな様子だった。
He seemed distracted, as if something was bothering him.
そわそわ is an onomatopoeic adverb describing physical fidgeting or restlessness, while 気もそぞろ focuses on the mental state of being distracted or unable to concentrate.
上の空 also means being distracted or absent-minded, but it emphasizes a vacant, daydreaming state, whereas 気もそぞろ implies a more active restlessness or nervous energy.
The phrase combines 気 (mind/spirit) with そぞろ (an old adverb meaning 'without reason' or 'restlessly'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it has been used since classical Japanese to describe an unsettled state of mind.